Andy Murray will bow out of Wimbledon playing doubles with his brother, after reluctantly calling time on his bid to line up in a farewell singles.
The two-time champ, who ended a 77-year-long wait for a Briton to win their home tournament when he won the first of two titles on the SW19 lawns in 2013, pulled out hours before he was due on Centre Court to play his first-round tie.
However, Murray insisted he will be fit to play doubles with Jamie – himself a doubles finalist at Wimbledon, in what will be his final appearance at the championships.
Murray, 37, is expected to quit this season after a career that brought him three grand slam titles, two Olympic golds and Davis Cup success.
The five-time Australian Open finalist underwent surgery recently to remove a spinal cyst which was compressing his nerves and made him lose control and power in his right leg.
“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,” Murray’s team said.
“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.”
Murray was due to face Czech Tomas Machac on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST). That match has now been moved.
As part of the knock-on effect, Thanasi Kokkinakis will now meet Felix Auger-Aliassime on No.2 Court, one of the major outside courts.
“Andy – we’re sorry to hear you won’t be playing singles this year,” Wimbledon said on social media.
“But we are so looking forward to seeing you compete in the doubles and celebrating all the memories you have given us.”
Murray’s decision means his last win and loss on British grass were both against Australians, at Queen’s Club last month.
The Scot beat Alexei Popyrin in his 1,000th tour-level singles match, then quit due to the injury that forced his operation while trailing 4-1 in the first set to Jordan Thompson.
with Reuters
