David Ferrer out of Monte Carlo Masters

World number four David Ferrer withdrew from next week's Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday, citing unspecified physical problems.

The Spaniard said on his Twitter account that he hoped to return to action at the Barcelona claycourt tournament which starts on April 22.

"Unfortunately I cannot be in Monte Carlo for physical problems. I hope to be fit to play at Barcelona," said Ferrer.

The Monte Carlo Masters, the first significant claycourt build-up tournament to the French Open, starts on Sunday.

Rafael Nadal will be seeking a ninth straight title in the principality but faces tough competition from the world's top two players, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

World numbers three and four, Roger Federer and David Ferrer, are not playing in Monaco.