What would missing Wimbledon mean for Andy Murray?
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Andy Murray's chances at Wimbledon are uncertain as he was mistakenly declared unfit for the tournament.
It is still uncertain whether Murray will be competing at Wimbledon this year, as there has been no official confirmation of his absence. The situation became even more unclear when a post on the ATP Tour's social media account stating that he would not be participating was suddenly removed.
Here, the PA news agency examines the circumstances and the potential impact of skipping Wimbledon for the 37-year-old.
What's The Latest Report?
The ATP Tour announced on Sunday that the 37-year-old player will not be competing in Wimbledon due to a recent back surgery. The initial report was quickly taken down and it was revealed that it was based on information from the Telegraph, stating that Murray will be sidelined for six weeks after having a procedure on a spinal cyst. Murray's team has not confirmed this news officially, and it is believed that he will wait to see how his recovery goes before deciding on his next steps.
What Is The Injury?
Andy Murray had a tough time during his second-round match at Queen's. He had to stop playing after just five games because he felt a lack of strength in his right leg and had trouble moving properly. Murray got some help on the court after three games, but he soon realized he couldn't keep going. After a scan, doctors found out he had a problem with his back that needed surgery. We don't know yet what kind of surgery he'll have or how long it will take for him to recover.
Did Murray Plan To Retire After Wimbledon?
Murray mentioned recently that he thinks retiring at Wimbledon or the Olympics would be a good choice for him this summer. He has been successful at both events, winning Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016, as well as securing Olympic gold medals in both 2012 and 2016. Although he had not previously announced a specific retirement date, it was clear that he was unlikely to continue competing after the Paris Games.
Murray's Injury History
Murray's career has been plagued by injuries. He has faced back issues in the past, undergoing surgery in 2013, and has been dealing with discomfort in recent weeks. After a nearly two-month break due to an ankle problem, he had just returned to the tour. In 2017, his career hit a major setback when, as the world's number one ranked player, he suffered a hip injury that required a metal plate to be inserted. Although this allowed him to keep playing, it prevented him from reaching the highest level of the game.
When Will He Retire Without Wimbledon?
The British tennis player hasn't given up hope of playing in this year's tournament before possibly retiring after the Olympics. If he's unable to compete in the next few weeks, he will need to make a decision. It probably wouldn't make sense for Murray to keep playing for another year just to have his final Wimbledon appearance, especially since his body is breaking down more frequently now. He might choose to retire in the near future, but he still has options if he wants to say goodbye to the court. The US Open, happening three weeks after the Paris Games, could be a suitable location for his farewell, considering he won the junior title there in 2004 and achieved his first grand slam title in 2012. Furthermore, he may be hoping to participate in Great Britain's Davis Cup matches against Finland, Argentina, and Canada in Manchester if he wants a farewell match on his home turf.
