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Caujolle denies Murray ban claim

Andy Murray has come in for criticism for pulling out of the Marseille Open © Getty Images

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Marseille Open tournament director Jean-Francois Caujolle has denied calling for Andy Murray to be suspended for pulling out of this week's ATP Tour event.

Murray was seeded one for the Open 13, but pulled out late last week saying he was still recovering from the exertions of his run to the Australian Open final.

Caujolle was left frustrated by Murray and was quoted by the Daily Express as saying: "The No. 1 seed of a tournament should have a sense of responsibility. If he does not respect his commitments, he should be suspended by the ATP."

The comments caused a real stir, prompting Caujolle to appear on UK television to deny that he had called for the British No. 1 to be suspended.

"I never said that he should be suspended, but it's true I was really disappointed because he was my top player," Caujolle told Sky Sports News. "There is a responsibility for the credibility of all the game when it's a top player. Sometimes you have to force yourself and be responsible.

"I understand he's quite young and it's not a huge tournament but it's quite disappointing and we had the same last year. Last year he played in Rotterdam and was a bit injured and I understand that. He sent me an email saying next year I will play. I understand everything but the fact is it's going to affect the tournament.

"One week before, to phone and say I am not coming would have been good. In that case I could have found another player, not as good as Andy, but made an offer to Marin Cilic or someone, but it was too late.

"A few minutes later Juan Martin del Potro pulled out with a real injury so I lost my top two players. I think the top seed and marquee player...they have to not pull out because all the promotion is framed around them.

"There should be something but the ATP is working on that, it's not the fault of the ATP or even Andy. It's just life."

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