cinch Championships 2024: Andy Murray forced to retire after five games in second round match against Jordan Thompson

Andy Murray's attempt to win the 2024 Cinch Championships came to a disappointing end when he had to withdraw from the second round match against Jordan Thompson during the fifth game due to an unforeseen circumstance.

From the very beginning of the match, the 37-year-old appeared uneasy and after only playing for 20 minutes, he gave up the game with a score of 4-1.

This news arrives just one day after the ex-champion of the world struggled through an intense three-set match against Alexei Popyrin, achieving his 32nd victory in singles competition at the event. Throughout that game, Murray accomplished some incredible feats that we have grown accustomed to witnessing throughout his career, which contributed to his six championship wins, both in singles and doubles, since initially competing at the tournament back in 2005.

Discover further details on Murray's accomplishments at the Queen's Club.

During the press conference after the match, Murray acknowledged that he was experiencing nerve-related discomfort on the right part of his back. This discomfort caused a decrease in his strength and ability to coordinate his movements on his right leg.

"It wasn't good. My back has been giving me trouble for some time now. I experienced a loss of strength in my right leg, which resulted in a complete loss of control. My coordination was completely off, and I was unable to move properly," he explained.

I was really glad about winning yesterday, but I've been struggling with my back for a while now. It was painful leading up to the tournament and during my match yesterday. Unfortunately, it still hurts today.

I managed it, but it wasn't easy. Before the match, my warm-up was uncomfortable, and when I walked up the stairs, I felt weaker than usual in my leg. I experienced an unusual sensation. The first two balls I hit during warm-up were difficult because my right leg was not working properly and felt uncoordinated.

I have been struggling with my back problems for approximately a decade, which I think is a common issue for many players. Nonetheless, I have never experienced a decline in my leg's coordination, control, and power before.

He stated that he plans to undergo a scan tomorrow to determine the extent of the damage.

From the very beginning, it was clear that Murray was having a hard time. He immediately lost his serve and was only able to win one point during his first service game. In contrast, the Australian player performed well and easily held his serve. However, Murray was able to accumulate a few easy points by serving exceptionally well before eventually requesting the physio. As a five-time singles champion, Murray's struggles were particularly notable.

Following some medical attention to his lower back, the British player was ready to continue playing. However, his body didn't cooperate and he only won two points out of the next eight. Eventually, he was forced to quit his second-round game.

Although his last appearance at the Queen's Club ended tragically, the three-time winner of major tennis tournaments was greeted with a heartfelt reaction from his local fans as he bid farewell to every part of the Centre Court.

Murray's new objective is to prepare himself for both Wimbledon and the 2024 Paris Olympics in a short period of a few weeks.