Former British world number one, Andy Murray, is facing another setback in his tennis career as he prepares to undergo a procedure on his back. The 37-year-old was forced to retire from his second-round match at Queen’s due to injury, trailing Australia’s Jordan Thompson 4-1 in the first set.
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion and two-time Olympic gold medallist, had previously announced his plans to retire later this year. He expressed his desire to end his career at either Wimbledon or the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, his recent health issues have put those plans in jeopardy.
The upcoming procedure, scheduled just nine days before the start of Wimbledon, where Murray is a two-time champion, raises doubts about his participation in the prestigious tournament. Despite the setback, Murray remained hopeful that he would be able to make a final appearance at Wimbledon.
His brother, Jamie Murray, provided an update on Andy’s situation, revealing that he had seen a specialist to determine the best course of action. The decision on whether Murray will be able to compete at Wimbledon and the Olympics remains uncertain as he weighs his options.
This latest health issue adds to Murray’s list of previous injuries, including a hip resurfacing operation in 2019 and ankle ligament rupture earlier this year. His persistent back problem, aggravated by playing on clay, has once again put his tennis career in jeopardy.
In addition to Murray’s health concerns, fellow British player Dan Evans also suffered an injury at Queen’s, retiring from his match against American Brandon Nakashima due to a knee injury. Evans has undergone a scan to assess the extent of the injury, further highlighting the physical demands and risks that professional tennis players face.
As Murray and Evans focus on their recovery and rehabilitation, the tennis community waits anxiously to see if they will be able to compete at Wimbledon and the upcoming Olympics. The challenges and uncertainties surrounding their health serve as a reminder of the physical toll that professional athletes endure in their pursuit of success on the court.