Tennis great Andy Murray has confirmed sad career news at Wimbledon

The three-time grand slam champion has been forced to make a sad announcement in his bid to appear at this year’s Wimbledon.

Andy Murray’s desperate bid for one last appearance in the Wimbledon singles competition has fallen short.

The former world No. 1 underwent back surgery less than a fortnight ago, but was still optimistic of one last appearance in the singles draw at the All England Club.

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A two-time Wimbledon champion, Murray has been cruelled by injuries in recent years and the 37-year-old confirmed 2024 will be his final appearance at the tournament.

Remarkably, he still intends to play doubles with his brother Jamie, giving Wimbledon fans a chance to see him one last time on the famous grass courts.

Andy Murray arriving at Wimbledon on Monday. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Murray did everything he could but will fall short of a final singles appearance. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

“Unfortunately, despite working incredibly hard on his recovery since his operation just over a week ago, Andy has taken the very difficult decision not to play the singles this year,” Murray’s management team confirmed in a statement.

“As you can imagine, he is extremely disappointed, but has confirmed that he will be playing in the doubles with Jamie and looks forward to competing at Wimbledon for the last time.”

The Murray brothers have been drawn to face Australian duo John Peers and Rinky Hijikata in the first round of the doubles.

It was initially reported Murray would need six weeks to recover from the back surgery, which took place just 10 days ago to remove a spinal cyst.

It is not yet clear his plans after Wimbledon, with the Paris Olympics also on his radar in what is expected to be his final season on tour.

Stuart Fraser, a tennis journalist with The Times, tweeted what many suspected would prove the case, the Scottish-born star simply ran out of time.

“Afraid to report that Andy Murray has withdrawn from the Wimbledon singles draw,” Fraser wrote on X.

Murray chatting with fellow great Novak Djokovic at the All England Club this week. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

“He will still play doubles with his brother Jamie later this week but has confirmed that this will be the last time he competes at Wimbledon.

“There just wasn’t enough recovery time to play singles.”

A number of fans reacted to the sad news.

One wrote: “He’s making the correct decision although he will be devastated.”

Another said: “So sad but the right decision. Will miss him.”

A third wrote simply: “Gutted for him.”

Murray waves to the public after his defeat at last year’s Wimbledon. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

Prior to the announcement, Australia’s Nick Kyrgios — who is fighting his own fitness battle — urged Murray to listen to his body.

“Andy Murray is a legend of this sport,” Kyrgios said.

“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 don’t want him to do anything permanent to affect his life after tennis.

“If he’s feeling good enough to play some dubs (doubles) 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.”

Originally published as Tennis great Andy Murray has confirmed sad career news at Wimbledon