Tomic pulls out of clash with Murray in Barcelona

Andy Murray was given a walkover into the third round of the Barcelona Open after Bernard Tomic pulled out with a back problem.

Murray had been due to face the Australian yesterday having been given a bye in the first round.

But, shortly before the start of play, the tournament organisers announced that Tomic, who defeated Dustin Brown in three sets in the first round, had withdrawn.

Although it is positive news on the surface for Murray, the world No 1 entered the tournament to get more matches under his belt as he works his way back from an elbow injury.

The Scot returned to action last week in Monte Carlo after more than a month on the sidelines but, having beaten Gilles Muller in his opening match, lost to Albert RamosVinolas.

Murray will play 16th seed Feliciano Lopez in the third round after the Spaniard beat countryman Albert Montanes 6-2 6-2.

British No 3 Dan Evans is also through to the third round after picking up his first ATP Tour wins on clay and will face fourth seed Dominic Thiem.

Third seed Rafael Nadal saw off Brazilian Rogerio Dutra Silva 6-1 6-2 while David Goffin, seeded five, beat Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 7-5 6-0.

Britain’s No 4, Aljaz Bedene, won his 14th straight match, beating Robin Haase to reach the quarter-finals of the Hungarian Open.

Bedene won back-to-back titles on the ATP Challenger Tour before coming through qualifying in Budapest.

After beating Marius Copil in round one, Bedene continued his impressive form with a 6-4 6-4 victory over Dutchman Haase.

The world No 68 put pressure on Haase’s serve, taking two of nine break points while saving the only one he faced.

Bedene will face second seed Ivo Karlovic who saw off Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur 6-1 3-6 6-4.

Bernard Tomic: forced to pull out through injury.