Murray plunges to World No.839 as he gets set for Washington bid

ANDY Murray has fallen 690 places in the world rankings to No.839 following his injury problems and late withdrawal from Wimbledon this year.

The former British No.1 and three-time Grand Slam champion is now the British No.23.

Murray (31) had hip surgery in January after being out of action since last year’s Wimbledon, when he lost to Sam Querrey in the quarter-finals.

He has played just three matches since then. He lost to Nick Kyrgios at Queen’s, before taking a wildcard to enter the Eastbourne International, where he beat Stan Wawrinka in the first round and then lost to Kyle Edmund.

Murray is now due to start his American hardcourt season at the Citi Open in Washington on July 30.

Edmund retained his position as British No.1 with a career-high ranking of 16th.

Simona Halep retained the No.1 spot in the latest women’s rankings despite losing in the third round at Wimbledon, but below her the upsets at the grasscourt Major caused turmoil.

Winner Angelique Kerber has jumped up six places to fourth. The two women, who had contested the 2017 final, both fell sharply after failing to match that.

Venus Williams dropped five places to 14th and Garbine Muguruza fell four places to No.7. The biggest gainer was Serena Williams, who made the Wimbledon final. She climbed 153 places to 28th.

• FOUR newcomers have been included in the Ulster team for next month’s senior inter-provincial tournament at Windsor.

Teenagers Jordan McKeown, Caleb Ralston and Cian McDonnell have been named in the men’s line-up, and the trio will be joined by the experienced Przemek Stec.

The last place in the men’s team will be determined after a play-off match between Alex Watt and Aaron Stubbs.

Ballynafeigh’s Christine Duncan will make her Ulster debut at the age of 32 after some outstanding results this season.

The highlight was a superb win over Irish Federation Cup player Ruth Copas at the North of Ireland Open semi-final in Hillsborough in June which probably sealed her place in the team.

She is joined by Karola Bejenaru, Annie and Caitlin McCullough and Kerri Russell in the ladies’ selection.

Ulster team: Men: Cian McDonnell, Jordan McKeown, Caleb Ralston, Przemek Stec, Aaron Stubbs or Alex Watt.

Women: Karola Bejenaru, Christine Duncan, Annie McCullough, Caitlin McCullough, Kerri Russell.