‘Absolutely devastating’: Andy Murray out of Wimbledon swan song

The tennis world has been rocked after the sporting gods once again appeared to forsake British legend Sir Andy Murray.

Andy Murray is out of Wimbledon. Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP

The tennis world has expressed its sadness after former world No. 1 Sir Andy Murray was ruled out Wimbledon.

While injuries happen, the 2024 Wimbledon was set to be a special one for Murray, who was expected to make the tournament his final one.

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The two-time champion at the All-England Club may also be forced to miss the Olympics after undergoing back surgery, the ATP Tour confirmed on Sunday.

“After an operation on a spinal cyst, Andy Murray is sadly out of Wimbledon. Rest up and recover Andy, we’ll miss seeing you there,” the ATP said on X.

A three-time grand slam winner, Murray won Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016 to go with his 2012 US Open triumph.

But at 37 years old, Murray was expected to finish up his career this season, meaning he could well miss the opportunity to farewell Wimbledon on court.

Murray will need an expected six weeks to recover from surgery with Wimbledon starting on July 1, while he faces a race against time to be fit for the Paris Olympics which starts in just over a month’s time.

Have we seen the last of Andy Murray? Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP

Murray had been playing at Queens, defeating Aussie Alexei Popyrin in three sets in the first round, before he was forced to withdraw at 4-1 down against Jordan Thompson.

The Scottish champion has had an injury plagued career, even playing with a metal hip after he a tearful admission his career may have been over at the Australian Open in 2019.

Although he hasn’t returned to the heights he scaled before, Murray had returned to the top 100 in 2022, a position he held until last week’s ranking period, where he has dropped to world No. 129.

Murray has long said he would not expect to continue playing long “past the summer”, hinting at Wimbledon or the Olympics being the end of his career.

The news has hit fans hard.

Challenger Tour podcaster Damian Kust commented: “Asking him to keep going for one more year is a lot, but it would feel very weird if Murray retired without one more Wimbledon appearance … Maybe just the doubles next year or something?”

ITN’s Ian Rumsey posted: “Poor Andy Murray. One of Britain’s greatest ever sportsmen deserved a better send off – but it can’t take the gloss off a unique and incredible career.”

Another fan wrote: “Absolutely devastating news. What a champion.”

Another called it: “Sad news.”

A third wrote: “Genuinely gutted that Andy Murray will miss @Wimbledon.

“Although he’s Scottish — he’s always been one of my sporting heroes.

“I did fear after his withdrawal from Queens that we might not see him on the professional scene again.”

It’s the news no one wanted to hear. Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP

At the Australian Open, Murray said: “It’s a definite possibility that will be the last time I play here.”

But while Murray appears set to retire, he’s not doing it willingly.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Murray said he was “not happy about it”.

“The thing that is difficult is that for most people, in most jobs, retirement is seen as a positive thing. They retire at a specific age, it’s something to look forward to – a time to put your feet up and enjoy the rest of your life,” Murray said.

“But I don’t see it like that. I’m not happy about it.

“I still feel young. I won’t want to stop playing but, obviously, if I’m not getting the results I want and my body’s not feeling good, that draws you to conclude about whether you should keep going – or stop.”

Asked about his next plans, whether he could wind up in the commentary booth or as a coach, Murray had a clear answer.

“I’ve done (punditry) before but didn’t particularly enjoy it,” he said.
“Everyone agrees with each other all the time – there is no needle in the analysis and I don’t think it’s entertaining, or the best for the sport. One thing I like about football is they disagree.”

Murray looked dejected against Thompson. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Murray underwent minor back surgery in 2013 and following a first-round loss at the recent French Open he said he would need treatment to address soreness.

The three-time Grand Slam champion only returned to competitive action in May after nearly two months out with an ankle injury.

He had been due to play singles and doubles with his brother Jamie at Wimbledon before potentially ending his career at the Olympics in Paris.

He is a two-time Gold medallist in the singles at the Olympics.

With AFP

Originally published as ‘Absolutely devastating’: Andy Murray out of Wimbledon swan song