Andy Murray has resumed training after undergoing back surgery ahead of Wimbledon, aiming for a comeback at the prestigious grasscourt Grand Slam. The former champion, aged 37, indicated he would delay a decision on his participation until the last possible moment.
Despite an earlier announcement by the ATP on Murray’s absence, Britain’s Davis Cup captain Leon Smith clarified that no final decision had been reached.
Murray expressed his cautious approach, stating, “I’m going to wait until the last minute to see if I’m going to be able to play and I’ve earned the right to do that,” as quoted by his management team.
Acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his recovery, Murray, a two-time Wimbledon singles champion, suggested that his readiness for singles play remained uncertain, though he expressed hopes of competing in doubles alongside his brother Jamie at the All England Club.
Following his recent withdrawal from the Queen’s Club Championships due to a spinal cyst diagnosed after his match against Jordan Thompson, Murray opted for immediate surgery.
Reflecting on his decision, he remarked, “I was given multiple different timelines for how long (recovery) would take and was also made aware that if I decided to try to play Wimbledon there’s some risk associated with that.”
Despite these challenges, Murray, who revived his career after hip-resurfacing surgery in 2019, faces ongoing setbacks including an ankle injury from earlier in the season.
He has previously hinted at retirement after this season, considering Wimbledon or the Paris Games as potential farewell tournaments.
While Murray has a family holiday planned immediately after the Olympics and indicated he does not plan to compete in the US Open, he expressed a desire for a more fitting conclusion to his career, stating, “I’d at least like to go out playing a proper match where I’m at least competitive, not what happened at Queen’s.”
Source: Gulf Times
