Andy Murray was in a race against time to be fit for Wimbledon, having struggled with a back problem before the competition.
The two-time champion withdrew from Queen’s due to the issue, casting doubt on his participation at the tournament.
And it was a battle that Murray lost, with the Scot withdrawing from the men’s singles event at the All England Club.
Tennis fans were left devastated by the decision, but Murray did lift their spirits when confirming his participation in two more Wimbledon events.
The 37-year-old firstly agreed to play men’s doubles alongside his brother Jamie Murray, as well as the mixed doubles alongside Emma Raducanu.
Greg Rusedski reacts after Emma Raducanu and Andy Murray Wimbledon news
The latter pairing surprised tennis icon John McEnroe, with Raducanu currently going strong in the women’s singles.
But it is a partnership that fans will sadly not get to witness at Wimbledon, with Raducanu withdrawing from the event due to stiffness in her right wrist.
Former British number one Greg Rusedski has now reacted to the news, saying on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Andy will be disappointed, Emma will be disappointed.
“The scheduling from Emma’s point of view was terrible. To be the last match on, could be finishing 11 or midnight, having to play a fourth-round match on top of that where she has a real shot to go deep and have her best Wimbledon in singles.
“It’s a shame for both players, more so for Andy because he wanted one more match here and he wanted to give back to that next generation. Understandably so, Emma not taking any risks and focusing on the singles.”
Andy Murray given fitting Wimbledon farewell
Fortunately Murray did manage to make it onto the court for his men’s doubles match against Rinky Hijikata and John Peers.
It was, however, the Australian pairing who emerged victorious on centre court with a 7-6(8-6), 6-4 triumph.
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But even with the defeat, fans were upstanding as Murray was played a tribute video featuring the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams.
Still, the two-time champion would have been eager to take to the court with Raducanu for another shot at glory, with the women’s star having also been desperate to play with Murray given that it took her just 10 seconds to accept his offer.
While disappointed not to see Murray on the Wimbledon grass another time, Rusedski is grateful that the three-time Grand Slam winner had his moment at SW19.
“I was quite surprised when I heard the announcement about mixed doubles but that’s just the sort of respect she has for Andy and wanting to play with the legend, everything Andy has achieved,” Rusedski added.
“Thank goodness they had that wonderful send-off on centre court with Jamie. What a moment that was, very emotional for an absolute legend of our sport.”
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