LONDON -- Andy Murray withdrew from the French Open on Tuesday because of a chronic back injury and will now focus on preparing for the start of the grass-court season next month. The U.S. Open champion met with specialists this week after being forced to pull out of his second-match against Marcel Granollers of Spain at the Italian Open last Wednesday because of the long-standing complaint. "Its a really tough decision and I love playing in Paris, but after seeking medical advice I am not fit to compete," Murray said in a statement. "Apologies to the organizers and thanks to everyone for the messages of support. Now my complete focus is on getting back on the court as soon as possible." The French Open, the second Grand Slam tournament of the year, starts Sunday at Roland Garros. Last week in Rome, Murray took a long injury break early in the second set against Granollers, getting his left thigh and lower back massaged. He seemed pessimistic about his chances of playing in the French Open, the only major in which he hasnt reached the final. "I have an issue with my lower back. Its been an issue for a while," Murray said then. "I want to make sure it goes away. Its been a problem since the end of 2011 but it got bad during last years clay season. "I would be very surprised if I was playing in Paris." Murray reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros last year, falling to David Ferrer, before going on to lose his first Wimbledon final to Roger Federer. He avenged that defeat against the Swiss star to win Olympic gold, and downed Novak Djovokic at Flushing Meadow for his first Grand Slam title later in 2012. Wimbledon runs from June 24 to July 7 this year. Larry Johnson Jersey . It says Pocklingtons lawyer filed the appeal Friday in a California court. CTV Edmonton also says Pocklington gave a $100,000 cash deposit as part of the conditions of his bail, and that he will be out on bail until his appeal is heard. Miles Bridges Jersey . Uniteds eighth defeat of a wretched campaign means Liverpool, which currently occupies the fourth and final Champions League place, could go nine points clear of its fierce rival by beating West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. Charlie Adam scored both of Stokes goals at Britannia Stadium either side of Robin van Persies equalizer, with a miserable day for seventh-place United capped by first-half injuries to centre halves Jonny Evans and Phil Jones that forced them off. https://www.cheaphornets.com/ . Jeff Green scored 13 points and Kris Humphries 12 for the Celtics, who nearly blew an 18-point, second-half lead. Sullingers 20-20 was the first by a Celtics player since Kevin Garnetts first game in Boston in 2007. Garnett was dealt -- along with Paul Pierce -- to Brooklyn during the off-season. Hornets Jerseys 2021 . -- Claudio Bieler hadnt scored since early September, and not from the run of play since mid-July. Kendall Gill Jersey . Rousey will put her perfect 8-0 record and hardware on the line against another undefeated fighter, 7-0 Sara McMann in the main event of UFC 170, which will be held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas Nevada on February 22nd. Nick Fitzgerald, quarterback?for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, was terrific?on Saturday against rival Ole Miss. Behind Fitzgeralds leadership, the Bulldogs took back the Golden Egg trophy 55-20 on the road in Oxford despite being nine-point underdogs. They had lost to the Rebels the past two seasons.?Fitzgerald ran for 258 yards, a?school record, scoring two touchdowns. He also threw for three touchdowns. Needless to say, coach Dan Mullen had plenty to smile about.?During Mullens?postgame interview, he?was asked?which school he had to fight with the most to sign?Fitzgerald during the recruiting proceess.dddddddddddd His response?Courtesy: WCBI and @RobbyDonoho/twitterMullen was so giddy that he couldnt even wait for the press conference to end before getting out the victory cigar. He noted that the?University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was his biggest competition, calling it?an excellent football team, all the while grinning with the cigar lopsidedly balanced between his teeth.?The Bulldogs end their season 5-7, 3-5 in Southeastern Conference play.?-- Meaghan Latella? ' ' '