Murray pulls out of singles in Wimbledon farewell, to play doubles

LONDON: Twice Wimbledon champion Andy Murray pulled out of the singles competition but will play doubles alongside his brother Jamie in his farewell appearance at the Grand Slam, the 37-year-old’s management team said on Tuesday.

Murray, who underwent surgery recently to remove a spinal cyst which was compressing his nerves and made him lose control and power in his right leg, decided he was not fit enough for the demands of singles competition. “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 team said. “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.”

Murray was due to face Czech Tomas Machac on Centre Court in singles on Tuesday, having informed the All England Club that he would take as long as possible to make a decision. “Andy - we’re sorry to hear you won’t be playing singles this year,” Wimbledon said on social media.

“But we are so looking forward to seeing you compete in the doubles and celebrating all the memories you have given us.” Fans arriving at Wimbledon to watch Murray were left disappointed as the news spread around the grounds.

“It’s a real shame because I really wanted to see him,” said Lewis Jones, who could return to watch Murray play doubles. “We were going to sit on the hill and enjoy his match today so I’m really disappointed. He means everything (to the people). He’s a British star at Wimbledon.”

Murray, who in 2013 ended a 77-year wait for a British men’s singles champion at Wimbledon and won the trophy again in 2016, had previously said that he was unlikely to continue his career beyond this year and could bow out at the Olympics in Paris.