Murray hopes to shake off back problem (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Murray hopes to shake off back problem

7:11am Friday 18th May 2012 in National Sport © Press Association 2013

Andy Murray hopes not to be troubled by a niggling back problem by the time the French Open begins next weekend.

The British number one was knocked out of the Rome Masters on Thursday, losing 6-7 (1/7) 6-3 6-2 to France's Richard Gasquet.

That defeat came after an issue with his back forced the 25-year-old to pull out of the Madrid Masters earlier this month, and he told The Independent: "My back was a little bit sore towards the end, but I was expecting that coming into the tournament. I've had it a while, since December. Obviously since then there hasn't been that much time to take an extended break."

He added: "Hopefully by the time the French Open comes around I'll be in peak condition. That's the goal."