Andy Murray’s fitness continues to dominate headlines as Wimbledon gets underway today.
With a whole host of mouth-watering first-round clashes, fans will pour into SW19 seeking to catch a glimpse of their favourite player before the tournament narrows with each knockout.
However, of all those in both the men’s and the women’s draw, Murray stands alone as probably the most universally-liked and therefore sought-after tennis star at this event.
So, there is naturally much interest in his availability after suffering such a mysterious yet devastating injury late last month.
Andy Murray provides injury update ahead of Wimbledon
Speaking ahead of his first-round clash with Tomas Machac to Wimbledon’s official website, naturally, focus remained on his injury.
After all, there were serious doubts over his attendance at the event at all, especially after the painful performance he endured in Queen’s before retiring from the match.
He dawdled about the court, clearly devastated by whatever injury was plaguing him on this occasion, before Murray would then have to suffer through surgery soon after.
However, he has now admitted to having played a practice match, and offered the following update: ‘If I keep progressing like I have been for the next three or four days before the doubles starts then… I played a set today against a good player and was playing well.
‘I was hitting the ball well and did absolutely fine, so I’m hoping that with each day that passes that the likelihood of me being able to play will increase.’
Murray kickstarts his Wimbledon campaign on Tuesday.
Andy Murray has earned his grand Wimbledon farewell
Just the fact that Murray is in and around the event, and plans to play, marks yet another miraculous notch on his evergreen career.
The Scotsman has overcome untold horrors throughout his playing days, with injuries having ravaged him relentlessly.
Whether it be a freak ankle setback or a persisting hip issue, problems that could have retired others have been merely a speed bump for Murray.
And so, having won three Grand Slams among countless other titles, in an era where most others were completely starved of success, his legendary status is well earned.
Therefore, he richly deserves a grand farewell at the site of his greatest triumph, earned in both 2013 and 2016.
Wimbledon owes so much to Murray, the first British player to win the men’s singles event since Fred Perry in 1936.
He has done so much for tennis in this country, and even if he can just drag himself out on court to compete, the crowd will at least get the chance to say goodbye and thank him for everything he has done for this sport.
It’s the least he deserves.
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