The two-time Wimbledon singles champion was due to play Tomáš Macháč of the Czech Republic on Centre Court, but after leaving the decision to the very last moment he was unable to sufficiently recover from the back surgery he underwent 10 days ago. Murray has confirmed that he will compete alongside his older brother, Jamie, in the men's doubles this week and the Paris Olympics will be the final tournament of his career.
"I decided this morning," said Murray yesterday. "I slept on it. I told my team and my family that I didn't think I was going to play based on how I felt yesterday. I practised pretty well. I was playing pretty good but I just wasn't happy with how my leg was feeling. I wanted to sleep on it and make sure I was happy with the decision and also to give myself a chance when I woke up this morning to see if it felt much better.
"I ran around a bit at home this morning when I got up. It just wasn't where I wanted it to be unfortunately. Probably a few days too soon but I am proud, I worked extremely hard to at least give myself a chance to play."
"I'm sorry for everyone that came and wanted to support and watch again. I wanted that moment as well, as much for me as the people who have supported me over the years.
This story is from the July 03, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the July 03, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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