French Open 2013 Predictions: Andy Murray Injury Makes Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic Favorites At Roland Garros As Serena Williams Dominates

May 22, 2013 11:25 AM EDT

The French Open will have a bit less star power this weekend when things get started, as Andy Murray has pulled out of the major after dealing with chronic back pain and he will wait for the grass court season to begin.

According to ESPN.com, Murray said that he met with specialists and said that he will rest more after pulling out of his second-match against Marcel Granollers of Spain at the Italian Open last week and now he will be out of the French Open. Murray said it was the best course of action and that he was sorry to the organizers for pulling out late. Next month will start grass court play and Murray should be back in action.

The French Open starts on Sunday and Murray will now wait until the grass season starts to get back in action. He took a long injury break in his match last week and while he was not ready to call it then, he had no choice now but to pull out. The men's side now has Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic as favorites after Nadal won last year and the way the Spaniard is playing it should be his to lose.

Murray made it to the quarters of the French last year before losing to David Ferrer and then he went to the Wimbledon final before losing to Roger Federer. He won his first Grand Slam against Djokovic at the US Open and he is eager to get his next major. Nadal will be looking for a crowning achievement after making his comeback from injury and after dominating for years at the French and winning eight titles he will be ready for another, as will Serena Williams, who will enter the tournament on a record career winning streak.

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