Andy Murray’s 2024 has been a chequered one, laden with struggles to find form and retain fitness.
Having been out sporadically with numerous random injuries, it felt like the Scotsman was getting absolutely no luck.
Just when it seemed like he was picking up steam and finding form, another setback would emerge, hampering his progress and returning him to square one.
However, it felt like with Wimbledon, nothing would stop him from playing.
After all, with two titles to his name, and as the only British player to win the competition since 1936, he remains one of its most revered figures in recent memory.
So, when he went down injured at Queen’s, the tennis world held its breath.
Andy Murray makes big Wimbledon decision
Now, after less than a week of waiting, we finally have an answer on whether Andy Murray will play at Wimbledon this year.
That information has been relayed by The Telegraph, who have been forced to be the bearer of bad news on this occasion.
They write: ‘Andy Murray has been ruled out of Wimbledon after having an operation on a spinal cyst, Telegraph Sport understands.
‘While Murray’s management team have offered no official update as yet, sources have told the Telegraph that there is a likely six-week lay-off period associated with the process, also throwing into serious doubt his involvement in the Olympic Games in Paris.
‘Murray had been hoping for an emotional farewell at Wimbledon this summer, but his dream looked likely to be denied as soon as he pulled out of Queen’s on Tuesday with a nerve-related problem in his right leg.’
Could this be the last we see of Andy Murray?
As they expand upon in the report, there are now a number of options that the 37-year-old could undertake, in what many expected to be his last year playing professional tennis.
Andy Murray’s retirement plans have long been a subject of scrutiny, and whilst it was widely regarded that Wimbledon would mark a perfect place to conclude his career, his involvement in the Olympics confused things.
But with that now unlikely too, the US Open remains the last Grand Slam of the season where he might want to compete.
It seems unlikely and somewhat odd to think that the Briton will not retire at Wimbledon, but it might be a step too far to assume that he could continue playing and reach the requisite level needed to perform at the 2025 iteration of the event.
Regardless, this is crushing news for Murray and the tennis world, who wish the unrelenting athlete all the best in his recovery.
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