Murray climbs rankings

Andy Murray has climbed one place to 19th in the world rankings following his first wins on clay for almost two years.

The British number one, who has accepted a wildcard to play in this week’s ATP event in Barcelona, reached the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters before being beaten in straight sets by Novak Djokovic.

Murray is expected to make further progress towards in goal of becoming a top-five player over the coming months as he has no ranking points to defend between May and August.

The Scot, 20, missed almost three months of last season with a serious wrist injury.

Murray, seeded seven, has been given a first-round bye in Barcelona and will play the winner of today’s match between Mario Ancic and Mischa Zverev.