HAMBURG, May 16: Andy Murray’s hopes of playing in the French Open look slim after he was forced to retire in the first round of the Masters Series tournament here on Tuesday with another in a long line of injuries.

It was a dreadful 20th birthday surprise for the world number ten from Scotland, who had been outplaying the Italian hero Filippo Volandri until he was led from the court in agony with a damaged wrist tendon and taken to hospital.

“I'm not sure how bad it is, but it is inflamed and stiff and I expect it will be put in a cast,” said Murray later. “I will go home and have it looked at again and then I will make an announcement.”

But when asked whether his chances of competing at Roland Garros the week after next were good, he said: “Probably not, I would have thought.”— AFP