If anyone deserved a proper send-off from Wimbledon, it was Murray. The two-time champion who ended Britain’s 77-year wait for a home male winner desperately wanted one last singles match on Centre Court, but had to eventually admit defeat.
Ultimately, there just wasn’t enough time to recover from the back surgery that medical experts told The Athletic normally has a six-week recovery time. Murray was attempting to do it in a little over a week.
Getting to play in the doubles later in the week with his brother Jamie is a silver lining, but it may have a different feel to what Murray was hoping for. He craved a competitive singles match, whereas the doubles — depending on his physical state — may have more of an exhibition feel.
Murray will do everything to be as competitive as possible but his body might have other ideas. Either way, the Scot will have one last match at Wimbledon and there will be a hugely celebratory feel — even if it’s not the ending he wanted.
