Andy Murray forced to retire from Queen’s Club match, Wimbledon participation in doubt

Andy Murray might not be playing his final Wimbledon following his forced retirement at Queens on Wednesday.

The 37-year-old got injured in the second round after playing five games against Jordan Thompson. He faced a back injury and pain in his right leg.

Speaking in his press conference at Queens, the British tennis player mentioned that he’s struggling with his back injury and there’s no coordination in his right leg out on court for a while. He’ll get a scan soon.

The former number one in singles was questioned whether he’ll be playing at the Wimbledon or not. In response Murray said that he’s not sure about that.

“I wouldn’t know. I didn’t get the right side of my back treated after the French Open [a few weeks ago]. All tennis players have degenerative joints in the back but it’s all predominantly been left-sided for me, for pretty much my whole career. I’ve never had too many issues with the right side.

“Maybe there’s something which can be done between now and then with my right side – will have a scan tomorrow and re-check and see what can be done. I don’t know exactly what the problem is. I just know I haven’t experienced that before – the back pain today and yesterday. I don’t know what the procedure will be or what to expect,” he replied.

Murray was supposed to play an exhibition event in Hurlingham scheduled next week, which could be his last event before retirement. However, the former world no.1 might not be playing because of his ongoing fitness issues since 2017.

“I’ve been struggling with my back for a while,” he added. “I had pain in my right leg, no motor control, no co-ordination. And yeah, couldn’t move.

“My back has been a problem for quite a while, it’s been sore in the build-up to the tournament and was pretty sore in my match yesterday and sore through today - but I was able to manage it. It was not comfortable playing, but I was able to manage it.

He also highlighted the pain he’s facing because of this injury and it has affected the player’s performance as well.

“During my pre-match warm-up, I was pretty uncomfortable and then I walked up the stairs to go out on court and didn’t have normal strength in my right leg, not a usual feeling. The first two balls I hit in the warm-up; my right leg was so uncordinated. My leg was not working properly.

“I wish I hadn’t gone on court to be honest. I didn’t realise until I was walking to go on court. In hindsight I wish I hadn’t gone on there. It was pretty awkward for everyone, nothing I can do.”

Andy is all set to end his 20-year career this summer either after the Wimbledon or the Paris Olympics. He won his first tour-level match against Alexei Popyrin in nearly three months on Tuesday.

Nevertheless, the situation was totally different after 24 hours, Murray was unable to move back into the position. He held serve in the third game, but he was unable to chase down drop-shots at his usual speed. 

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