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Murray to have emergency back surgery in desperate bid for Wimbledon farewell

22 June 2024 , 10:17
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Two-time champion revealed major regret at Queen
Two-time champion revealed major regret at Queen's

ANDY MURRAY will undergo emergency back surgery TODAY to try and revive his Wimbledon farewell bid.

The British tennis icon, 37, suffered a back injury during Queen's this week.

Andy Murray is to undergo emergency back surgery just nine days before Wimbledon starts eiqrriuridzhprw
Andy Murray is to undergo emergency back surgery just nine days before Wimbledon startsCredit: Alamy
He retired hurt against Jordan Thompson at Queen's on Wednesday
He retired hurt against Jordan Thompson at Queen's on WednesdayCredit: Alamy

He was barely able to move in awkward and distressing scenes in his last-16 clash with Australian Jordan Thompson.

And after receiving a medical time-out, the world No129 retired hurt trailing 4-1 in the first set before emotionally waving goodbye to the Queen's crowd.

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But now with just nine days to go until the first day of Wimbledon on July 1, Murray is going under the knife to try and fix the back issue.

It is understood the surgery is a minor procedure and Murray's team are due to give an update once the op is done.

The former world No1 remains hopeful of being fit enough to take to the court at Wimbledon in what is expected to be his final appearance.

All England Club chiefs revealed plans are in place to honour Murray should he confirm 2024 will be his final Championships.

Two-time singles champion Muzza has also entered the doubles with older brother Jamie.

The double Olympic gold medalist has then earmarked Paris 2024 as potentially his final event before hanging up his racquet and retiring.

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Murray was selected by Team GB for the Olympics - although Emma Raducanu rejected a wildcard to appear on the clay of Roland Garros.

Speaking on Wednesday after withdrawing from Queen's, he admitted he regretted even stepping on to court - before detailing the lower back pain.

Murray said: "When I walked up the stairs before going out, and in the pre-match warm-up, my back was uncomfortable.

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"It was an awkward atmosphere because everyone could see there was a problem and I didn't know if I should play or stop. It's disappointing.

"In hindsight, I wish I hadn't gone on the court."

Murray added: “I have neural pain across my lower back.

The top 10 richest stars in tennis
The top 10 richest stars in tennis

“It’s a nerve-type sort of discomfort. It’s been pretty uncomfortable and today was just a numbness and loss of strength, power and control.

“Like all tennis players, we have degenerative joints and stuff in the back but it’s all predominantly been left-sided for me my whole career.

"I have never had too many issues with the right side. So maybe there is something that can be done between now and then to help the right side.”

Murray has been no stranger to injuries throughout his incredible 1,001-match, 19-year professional career.

The Dunblane ace - who has earned more than £51million in prize money - had a back operation in 2013, just two months after winning his first Wimbledon title.

Murray's biggest operation was his hip resurfacing surgery in 2019, which means he is now playing with a metal hip.

And earlier this year, the Brit ruptured ankle ligaments at the Miami Open as his body struggles to cope with the rigours of professional tennis.

Murray lifted the Wimbledon title in 2013 then again in 2016
Murray lifted the Wimbledon title in 2013 then again in 2016Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Murray bid an emotional goodbye to Queen's
Murray bid an emotional goodbye to Queen'sCredit: AP
He received treatment on the court for his back pain
He received treatment on the court for his back painCredit: Getty
The Brit admitted he regretted going on court to face Thompson
The Brit admitted he regretted going on court to face ThompsonCredit: PA

Joshua Jones

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