Andy Murray has said sorry to fans who had come to see his Wimbledon farewell in singles today but admitted: “It was the right decision.”
And the Scot, 37, will now play his final matches at his home Grand Slam with his brother Jamie in the doubles before retiring at the Olympics.
The three-time Grand Slam champion underwent surgery to remove a spinal cyst on June 22 and returned to the practice courts days later in a desperate bid to play in his final home Grand Slam.
Murray played a practice set with Kyle Edmund yesterday and then said he would consult his team and family before making his decision. And he even gave himself a final fitness test at home this morning before announcing his withdrawal this morning.
After a 90-minute doubles training session at Aorangi Park, Murray said: “I’m disappointed. I wanted to play in the tournament and I wanted to have a chance to go out there, walk out on my own on the centre court again and give it another go. I also was only going to give it a go if I felt like I could be competitive and I didn’t feel like that today.
“I’m sorry for everyone who came and wanted to support and watch again. I wanted that moment as well, as much for me as for the people that have supported me over the years. The fans but also my closest friends, family, my team. It was important for me to do that with them as well. It was one of those things. Unfortunate. The timing was horrible, the surgery was a complex one and it wasn’t to be.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
