Andy Murray cut a forlorn figure yesterday, as he struggled off the court to rapturous applause.
This Queen’s crowd has seen him win five titles, and thus he is the greatest champion in the history of this prestigious tournament.
So, to see what may well be his final ever match end like this, mired by excruciating back pain, was brutal.
It has now put his Wimbledon availability into doubt as well, and at last, we have an update from the man himself.
Andy Murray gives brutal Wimbledon injury verdict
Speaking to BBC Sport earlier today, the Scotsman was bluntly asked about his injury after many had predicted whether Murray would now be fit for Wimbledon.
Having hobbled off after just five games in yesterday’s walkover against Jordan Thompson, fans understandably feared the worst, with Wimbledon just around the corner.
It has been widely accepted that this could be Murray’s final year of professional tennis, and injuries have not been kind to him throughout.
And now, quizzed on this subject, he offered the following update: ‘Well, I have throughout my career dealt with a lot of pain in my body. Over the years and with the problems I have had, particularly in the latter stages of my career.
‘Being in pain on the court is not that much fun but it can be manageable. The issue was not the pain that stopped me playing the match, it was that I had no coordination in my leg, so I couldn’t move or drive up to serve. The first serve I hit in the match my mind was saying for my leg to move but it wasn’t happening.
‘I have no idea how long it will take for how long it will take to get better or what the treatment options are between now at Wimbledon, but let’s hope that it will be okay and with some rest and treatment I will still be able to play there.’
The tennis world needs Andy Murray to be fit for Wimbledon
Whilst people might have their debates over who was the best out of the Big Three, Murray remains a player who people struggle to dislike.
Not quite at the level of that legendary trio, but above the bulk of the rest, the 37-year-old finds himself in a pleasant middle ground, liked by all.
His hard-working brand of tennis endears him to anyone who watches, and that has been greatly prevalent ever since his hip surgery in 2019.
A procedure that would have retired most, he remains playing today, despite his clear struggles.
He had earned one final, grand exit at the tournament which truly shot him to stardom, and where he made history.
All we can do now is hope that he gets it.
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