Uncertainty Surrounding Murray’s Wimbledon Appearance
LONDON — Confusion surrounds the Wimbledon fate of two-time former champion Andy Murray after back surgery appeared to rule him out of this year’s tournament. The Scot had been aiming to make a farewell appearance at the grass court Grand Slam, which he won in 2013 and 2016. However, the 37-year-old will need an expected six weeks to recover from a spinal cyst operation, with Wimbledon starting on July 1.
Potential Impact on Paris Olympics
Murray now also faces a race against time to be fit for next month’s Paris Olympics, where he is a two-time gold medallist in singles. The ATP Tour initially posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Murray had been ruled out of Wimbledon, but the post was subsequently deleted. Neither Murray nor his management company has confirmed his participation status.
Official ATP Tour Post
The ATP post read: “After an operation on a spinal cyst, Andy Murray is sadly out of Wimbledon. Rest up and recover Andy, we’ll miss seeing you there.”
Injury at Queen’s Club
Murray managed just five games before a back injury forced him to withdraw from his second-round match against Australia’s Jordan Thompson at the Queen’s warm-up event in London. The former world number one, who plays with a metal hip, struggled from the start and reported a feeling of weakness in his right leg and loss of coordination.
Murray’s Comments on Injury
“I never had that loss of coordination, control, and strength in my leg before,” Murray said after retiring from his match with Thompson. “I’ve been struggling with my back for a while — I had lost the power in my right leg so lost all motor control, I had no coordination and couldn’t really move.”
Prospects of Playing at Wimbledon
Asked about his prospects of playing at Wimbledon, Murray added: “Like all tennis players, we have degenerative joints and stuff in the back, but it’s all predominantly been left-sided for me my whole career. I have never had too many issues with the right side. So maybe there is something that can be done between now and then to help the right side.”
Previous Injuries and Recent Setbacks
Murray underwent minor back surgery in 2013. After a first-round loss at the recent French Open, he said he would need treatment to address soreness. The three-time Grand Slam champion only returned to competitive action in May after nearly two months out with an ankle injury. He had planned to play singles and doubles with his brother Jamie at Wimbledon before potentially ending his career at the Olympics in Paris.
History of Injuries
Murray has had previous back injuries and underwent surgery in 2013. Queen’s Club, a tournament he has won five times, was just his fourth event following almost two months out with an ankle injury. His participation in Wimbledon remains uncertain as he focuses on recovery and aims to compete in the Paris Olympics.(Superace88)