Andy Murray
Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has told the world that he is taking a risk with his health by returning for what may be his final Championships this week. The Scottish icon underwent surgery on a spinal cyst eight days ago and, despite initially saying he would likely not play singles this year, is determined to take to the court in SW19 one more time.
Andy Murray remains determined to take to the court at Wimbledon on Tuesday against Tomas Machac, but admits that there are “risks” involved after undergoing spinal cyst removal surgery just eight days ago.
Murray has been public about his intention to retire after this summer’s Paris 2024 Olympic Games, meaning that this could well be his final opportunity to grace Wimbledon, a tournament where he has been twice champion.
However, after undergoing a surgical procedure to remove a cyst on his spine last weekend, Murray was initially doubtful that he would be capable of playing.
Following a practice session on Saturday, Murray confirmed to the media that he is planning to face Machac despite his physical condition.
Conceding that he is not at full strength, the three-time Grand Slam champion said: “Obviously, I haven’t done much for the last week… just trying to do what I can, trying to keep progressing each day. Whether there’s enough time or not, I don’t know, but I’m trying.”
Murray left no doubt though, underlining his intention to play: “There’s risks associated with what I’m trying to do and I’m willing to take that to try and play. So yeah, we’ll see what happens.”
But Murray admitted too, that the decision is not entirely in his hands and he must wait to see how his body reacts.
He said: “I need to be able to move properly, which I can’t yet, so let’s see in 48 hours or so. I don’t know – tough to know how it’s going to progress, really.”
Awaiting Murray on Tuesday is world No. 36 Machac. The 23-year-old Czech right-hander has never before advanced beyond the first round at Wimbledon, and only once qualified for the tournament proper. In 2023, Machac was defeated in four sets by another Brit in Cam Norrie.
Murray’s fellow Brit Emma Raducanu took time out of her preparations to speak about her hopes of seeing Murray take to the court this week.
She said: “I think for a tournament like Wimbledon, especially, you’ll push your body, you’ll push your recovery to the maximum. You’ll take the consequences that will come after or during, whatever you have to do.
“I think you will just absolutely push yourself to the maximum, and push the people around you to also be at their best. I’m very happy to see him here because when I think of Wimbledon, I think of Andy.
“Growing up, that was the generation, the hero I would look up to. I think it just feels right, and I really hope that, yeah, Tuesday or whenever he’s playing, that he’s on the match court.”
Wimbledon has been Murray’s favourite Grand Slam tournament in terms of results, having won two of his three career majors at the All-England Club.
After three consecutive semi-final exits from 2009-2011, he reached the final in 2012 only to lose to Roger Federer. The following year, Murray defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets to claim the title. He added his second in 2016, defeating Milos Raonic.
Since that victory, Murray has only advanced beyond the third round once as injuries have taken their toll.
