Spain's Ferrer withdraws injured from Monte Carlo

Spain's seventh seed David Ferrer has pulled out of the Monte Carlo Masters a day ahead of his second-round match against German teenager Alexander Zverev.

The 34-year-old Spaniard confirmed on Tuesday that a soleus muscle injury was the cause of his withdrawal.

Ferrer, a finalist in the Principality five years ago against Rafael Nadal, has had a patchy 2016 season, taking a break from late February to late March to rest.

Upon his return, the ATP number eight lost in the Miami third round to France's Lucas Pouille.