Andy Murray remains hopeful that the back injury which ended his Queen’s campaign will not deny him what is expected to be his final appearance at Wimbledon. Britain’s Andy Murray had to retire against Australia’s Jordan Thompson on Wednesday, marking a sad finish to what is likely to be his last appearance at a tournament he has won a record five times.
The 37-year-old former world number one is set to bring his illustrious career to a close later this year. With Wimbledon starting on 1 July, and a planned doubles appearance there with his older brother Jamie, Andy Murray’s army of adoring British fans will be hoping his back issue will not affect his chances of saying an emotional goodbye.
Andy Murray’s Optimism and Planned Scans
“Let’s hope it will be OK with some rest and treatment, and I’ll still be able to play [at Wimbledon],” said Andy Murray, who won the SW19 title in 2013 and 2016. Earlier this week, Andy Murray mentioned that he felt ending his career at Wimbledon or the Olympics – the events where he has enjoyed his most gratifying successes – would be a fitting stage to retire from the sport.
A scan on Thursday is expected to provide more answers about whether the back issue will jeopardize those plans. “I don’t know exactly what the problem is. I hadn’t experienced that before,” Andy Murray admitted. “I have no idea how long it will take to get better and what the treatment options are.”
How an ‘Awkward’ Afternoon Unfolded
Andy Murray was playing again at Queen’s less than 24 hours after winning his first-round match against Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. From the start, the three-time Grand Slam champion looked uncomfortable during the points and was heavily limping between them. Andy Murray clarified that the issue was not a back spasm, but caused a “loss of strength, coordination, and control” issues in his right leg.
“When I walked up the stairs before going out, and in the pre-match warm-up, my back was uncomfortable,” Andy Murray explained. “It was an awkward atmosphere because everyone could see there was a problem and I didn’t know if I should play or stop. It’s disappointing. In hindsight, I wish I hadn’t gone on the court.”
After being broken in the first game, Andy Murray held serve in the third and had treatment as he lay on the court during a medical time-out in the next changeover. A huge cheer of encouragement greeted Andy Murray as he picked up his racquet again, but he lasted just two more games before stopping at 4-1 down.
Andy Murray waved to all sides of the court after shaking hands with Thompson, thanking the home crowd for their support on a tough afternoon – and seemingly for their backing ever since he made his debut at the west London club in 2005.
“That’s never the way you want to win,” said Thompson. “He’s a great champion and it’s disappointing to see him hurt.”
A Cruel Twist in Andy Murray’s Career
There is no perfect way to end a tennis career. Andy Murray said it himself after losing to Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka in the first round of the French Open last month. Finishing with a defeat is more than likely, particularly for a player in their late 30s who has been beset by injuries and ranked outside the top 100.
But another fitness issue for Andy Murray feels especially cruel given the way he wants to bow out. Rupturing ankle ligaments at the Miami Open in March, just as Andy Murray began to show signs of resurgent form, was already a considerable blow. Even though he was able to return seven weeks later, he has been hampered by a back problem exacerbated by playing on clay.
“The treatment I had on my back after the French Open was predominantly left-sided. This was my right leg,” said Andy Murray. “I have dealt with back issues for a long time, for the last 10 years or so, and it’s probably quite common for a lot of players. But I have never experienced that before.”
Next Steps for Andy Murray
Andy Murray’s immediate focus is on recovery and determining the extent of his back injury. The scan results will play a crucial role in deciding whether he can participate in Wimbledon and fulfill his plan to end his career at one of the sport’s most prestigious venues. His fans, family, and the broader tennis community are hopeful for a positive outcome, allowing Andy Murray to say goodbye on his terms.
The Queen’s Club Aftermath
As Andy Murray’s Wimbledon hopes hang in the balance, the Queen’s Club tournament continues. Jordan Thompson advanced to the quarter-finals, where he will play Taylor Fritz after the American fourth seed beat Milos Raonic 7-6 (7-5) 6-4. Australia’s Rinky Hijikata won 7-6 (7-0) 7-6 (9-7) against Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi to reach the last eight, while American Sebastian Korda earned a 6-4 3-6 7-5 victory over Bulgaria’s 2014 champion and third seed Grigor Dimitrov.
Andy Murray’s exit from Queen’s was a somber moment for his fans and the tennis world, highlighting the physical toll of the sport and the inevitable challenges faced by aging athletes. Nevertheless, his resilience and determination to compete at the highest level continue to inspire.
Conclusion
Andy Murray’s career has been marked by incredible highs and challenging lows. As he approaches what is expected to be his final appearance at Wimbledon, the tennis world watches with bated breath. Andy Murray’s journey is a testament to his resilience, skill, and unwavering passion for the sport. Whether he takes to the court at Wimbledon or not, Andy Murray’s legacy in tennis is firmly secured, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.
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