Andy Murray has revealed that he won't be playing in the singles championship at Wimbledon this year.
The 37-year-old has been battling to recover from back surgery last weekend and had held off on making a decision on whether he would play on Tuesday (July 2).
His first-round match against Tomas Machac was scheduled for this afternoon on Centre Court, but now the Scot has confirmed he won't be taking part.
However, he has stated that he will be playing in the doubles championship alongside his brother Jamie.
No Andy Murray in the Wimbledon singles this year… but we’ll always have this moment from 2013. ❤️❤️❤️#BBCTennis #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/KMN8qwLi2v
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 2, 2024
A statement from Murray’s representatives read: “Unfortunately, despite working incredibly hard on his recovery since his operation just over a week ago, Andy has taken the very difficult decision not to play the singles this year.
“As you can imagine, he is extremely disappointed but has confirmed that he will be playing in the doubles with Jamie and looks forward to competing at Wimbledon for the last time.”
Injury struggles prevent Andy Murray from playing singles at Wimbledon
Murray has struggled with injuries this year after rupturing his ankle ligaments at the Miami Open in March.
💔 There will be no final Wimbledon singles appearance for Andy Murray... but he is still planning to play doubles with his brother Jamie.#BBCTennis #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/85KFVNIf8a
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 2, 2024
He was able to return seven weeks later, but has been hampered by a back problem exacerbated by playing on clay, BBC Sport reports.
Murray had to retire from his match against Australia's Jordan Thompson at Queen's on June 19 because of a back issue.
A few days later the former world number one had a cyst close to his spinal cord removed because it was causing nerve pain in his right leg.
Murray has had a successful career in tennis winning Wimbledon twice, in 2013 and 2016, alongside a US Open championship in 2012.
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