Murray struggling to make final

Murray needed treament in his win over Federer

Defending champion Andy Murray is struggling to be fit for Saturday's Qatar Open final against Andy Roddick because of a back injury.

The British number one needed treatment in the final set on his way to beating Roger Federer in Friday's semi-final.

And after first noticing the problem at last week's warm-up event in Abu Dhabi, the Scot is not prepared to take a risk just a week before the Australian Open.

"If my back is going to be like this I won't play on Saturday," he said.

606: DEBATE It's almost as if Murray is a better version of Federer himself Chazfazzer01

"It was getting stiff as the match progressed. My back has been giving me some problems ever since Abu Dhabi.

"I don't know whether it has something to do with the nature of the court, rather than the weather."

Should Murray take to the court on Saturday he will start the final as a strong favourite against Roddick, with five wins in their eight previous meetings.

"It will be very difficult against Andy in the final," said Murray. "He serves big and I will have to return well. But I played well against him the last few times we met."

After losing to Murray for the fourth time in succession - and the fifth time in seven ATP matches - Federer backed the Briton to win a Grand Slam.

And the Swiss star did not rule out Murray taking the number one ranking in the foreseeable future.

"If he carries on the way he is he will have a shot," said Federer. "Things change very quickly.

"But I hope if he were to become number one he would win a Slam - not like the women's side. No disrespect to Jelena Jankovic but it took Rafa five Grand Slams to become number one."

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