Andy Murray to make late decision on entry into Wimbledon singles as Nick Kyrgios urges care over injury
By Conor Keenan
Updated 01/07/2024 at 23:06 GMT+1
Two-time Wimbledon winner Andy Murray is unsure if he will be fit enough to enter the men's singles, but remains likely to play in the doubles alongside older brother Jamie. Murray was forced to have a procedure eight days ago to remove a cyst in his back and remains a doubt to play against Tomas Machac in the opening round of the singles on Tuesday afternoon.
Murray says he will ‘likely not play past this summer’, aims to finish at Wimbledon or Olympics
Video credit: SNTV
Andy Murray has said he will consult his family on Monday evening before making a decision on his participation in the men’s singles at Wimbledon this year, adding he wants “a bit of closure” at the All England Club ahead of his likely retirement later this year.
The two-time Wimbledon winner had surgery on a spinal cyst in the lead up to the tournament, leaving his participation in the third Grand Slam of the year in doubt.
The cyst was removed eight days ago because it was causing pain in Murray’s right leg, and although the former world No. 1 says the area in which he had the operation is pain free, he still does not have 100% feeling in his leg.
The Scot is expected to be fit enough to play in the doubles alongside brother Jamie later this week.
Murray says he will make a late decision on whether he will contest the singles.
"It's getting better every single day," Murray told BBC Sport. "I want to give it every single chance that I can to get there.
"I'm going to play another set again tomorrow. I'm doing some physical testing in the morning to see how far off I am from a physical perspective.
"Then I will probably make a decision tomorrow evening after that."
Following a training session on Monday afternoon, he said: "It was good.
“I am going to have a chat with my team now and speak to my family this evening and then make a decision.
"It is getting better. And the testing and stuff I have done is good. Yeah, I just need to decide whether it is enough to compete really.”
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Murray is due to play the Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac in the opening round on Tuesday, with the former Olympic gold medallist stating he wants to feel “that buzz” of the Wimbledon Centre Court one more time before his retirement.
"I don't think there's one thing that I'm hoping for. When it comes to the end, I don't know, maybe a bit of closure," said Murray, who won Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016.
"I just want the opportunity to play one more time out there, hopefully on Centre Court, and feel that buzz.
"Last year, I wasn't planning on it being my last year on the tour. I wanted to come back and play again, whereas this year I have no plans to do that."
Nick Kyrgios, who is working for the BBC as a pundit during Wimbledon this year, said he could "completely understand" why Murray was trying to race back to fitness.
"Andy Murray is a legend in this sport," he said. "He's arguably one of the best to ever do it. So, I completely understand him trying to get out here and in front of his fans one last time.
"I don't think I've played through something as severe as that. I've got a pretty good relationship with Andy. I don't want him to do anything permanent to even affect his life after tennis.
"So, if he's feeling good enough to play some doubles and get out there and give it one last push, I support it. But the way he's grimacing right now, I'd say just wrap it up, get the legs up and enjoy it."
Murray is in Great Britain's team to play at the upcoming Olympic Games and has expressed his desire to compete at Paris 2024.
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.
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