Andy Murray, a two-time Wimbledon winner, will skip this year’s singles competition following recent spinal surgery, announced his management team on Tuesday. Despite intensive recovery efforts since his operation a week ago, the 37-year-old has made the tough decision not to participate in singles. His team expressed Murray’s deep disappointment but confirmed his commitment to competing in doubles alongside his brother Jamie, marking his final Wimbledon appearance.
“We are incredibly disappointed to announce that Andy will not be playing singles at Wimbledon this year,” said Murray’s team in a statement. Despite his dedicated efforts in recovery post-surgery, he has decided to focus on the doubles event with Jamie and looks forward to bidding farewell to Wimbledon in this capacity.
Murray, originally slated to play against Tomas Machac in Wimbledon’s first round on Tuesday, deliberated until the final moments before opting out. His decision stemmed from ongoing recovery after spinal cyst surgery, which had led him to withdraw from the Queen’s Club Championship due to a back injury.
As a three-time grand slam champion nearing the conclusion of his tennis career, Murray has hinted that the Paris Olympics might mark his final tournament.
Expressing his desire to exit the sport with a proper match, Andy Murray remains open to competing in other tournaments this season if he isn’t competitive at Wimbledon and the Olympics.
Murray, the sole British man in the Open Era to claim a grand slam singles title, secured his first major at the US Open in 2012 and added Wimbledon victories in 2013 and 2016. A former world No. 1, he also clinched consecutive singles gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, along with a silver in mixed doubles with Laura Robson in 2012.
Despite a resurgence after hip resurfacing surgery in 2019 that saw him return to the top 50, Murray has faced ongoing challenges with injuries in recent years.
Following Murray’s withdrawal from Wimbledon singles, Belgium’s David Goffin, a fortunate loser in qualifying, is set to face Tomas Machac in the first round.
Wimbledon expressed regret over Andy Murray’s decision not to play singles this year in a statement on social media, but eagerly anticipates his participation in doubles and celebrates his memorable contributions to the tournament.
