Top-seeded David Ferrer withdrew from his Mexican Open quarterfinal against South Africa’ Kevin Anderson in the second set on Thursday due to a left thigh strain. Ferrer’s exit leaves Andy Murray as the big favorite to win the Mexican Open 500. The Scot overcame a poor start to beat Frenchmen Gilles Simon 1-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2. Third-ranked Ferrer was leading 6-4, 2-2 when he suffered an inner thigh strain in his left leg.