Andy Murray did his utmost to pass his fitness test for Wimbledon, but the veteran has fallen just short.
The Scot was forced to withdraw from Queen’s due to a back injury, with Murray requiring a procedure to fix the problem right before Wimbledon.
He gave it until the very last minute to finalise his place in the opening round meeting with Tomas Machac, but it wasn’t meant to be.
The three-time Grand Slam champion has taken the decision to withdraw from the singles tournament, although he does still plan to play doubles alongside his brother Jamie.
Andy has revealed discussions with his doubles partner about his fitness levels, with the duo set to take on John Peers and Rinky Hijikata on Wednesday.
Andy Murray’s first coach and Boris Becker react to his Wimbledon withdrawal
Tennis fans will be desperate to witness Murray take to the court for that match, which could help lift their spirits after they were left devastated by his singles decision.
His first ever coach Mark Petchey and tennis legend Boris Becker have also now reacted to the disappointing news.
Sharing an image of a practice session, the former wrote on X: “I will never forget any of the moments we shared. You became everything I hoped you would because no one deserved it more.
“Enjoy the final moments of an epic journey. Couldn’t love you more. P.S. looks like another point won in practice by me…”
The latter meanwhile wrote on X: “Oh no… Andy Murray will not play in the singles but doubles with his brother Jamie at Wimbledon.”
Andy Murray misses out on Wimbledon singles farewell
Murray does, of course, still have the chance to say an emotional goodbye to the Wimbledon crowd in his doubles match.
He will be doing all he can to be 100% fit for that clash, although his mental game may have taken a hit after pulling out of the singles tournament.
Fans would have loved to have seen the Scot taking to the court and fighting for Wimbledon glory on his own one last time, but all they can hope for now is a Murray doubles partnership.
All of the attention will, of course, be on Andy should the pair play together, although success will be the only thing on his the mind of the 37-year-old.
Regardless of what happens, Murray will retire a hero, having won 46 singles titles, including three Grand Slams.
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