Andy Murray has withdrawn from the 2024 Wimbledon Championships singles event, confirming that this will indeed be his final Wimbledon.
Weeks ago, the British legend confirmed that he was not looking for a perfect farewell, and unfortunately, he won't get it either. He hoped to play singles and doubles at this year's Wimbledon, which was widely expected to be his final one.
He confirmed that this was indeed his final Wimbledon, but he also pulled out of the singles event. Rumors have circulated for a few days that Murray was unlikely to play because he just underwent back surgery, and it does not heal in a week.
He played a practice set a few days ago and admitted it went well, but a practice set is very different from an actual match. At the quickest, a competitive match would involve three sets, which he likely wasn't really ready for.
"Unfortunately, despite working incredibly hard on his recovery since his operation just over a week ago, Andy has taken the very difficult decision not to play the singles this year."
"As you can imagine, he is extremely disappointed but has confirmed that he will be playing in the doubles with Jamie and looks forward to competing at Wimbledon for the last time."
Despite his withdrawal from singles, Murray will still play at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, but it will be in the doubles with his brother Jamie. It's not precisely how many fans picture his final Wimbledon, but it will be great to see him say goodbye to the grass courts by competing on them rather than from a press conference.
The likelihood of his doubles campaign going well is certainly higher than that of a singles one, mostly because it's his movement that suffered the most, and that's not so essential in doubles.