(London) Andy Murray remains hopeful of playing one final time at Wimbledon next week, but admits he is unlikely to play in the London singles tournament after having surgery on a spinal cyst.
“I would say it is more than likely that I will not be able to play singles” at Wimbledon, he admitted.
The 37-year-old (115e world), who confirmed that the tennis event at the Paris Olympics would be the final event of his career, underwent surgery on Saturday after feeling weakness in his right leg while playing in the Queen’s tournament this week passed.
“Last week was quite difficult,” said the former British world number one. “Obviously a lot has happened as I plan to finish (my career) at the Olympics.”
Murray, who won two of his three Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon, said several surgeons recommended he seek treatment immediately.
“Although the operation was not major, the problem was serious, because if the cyst had continued to grow – already at Queen’s I practically lost the strength, coordination and everything in my leg right when going onto the court – it is likely that there would have been other complications,” he indicated.
The Scot, a two-time Olympic champion, stressed the procedure had gone “very, very well” and he was hitting balls again. But he added it was “impossible to say” when he would be able to return to competition.
“It’s complicated, and it’s even more complicated because I want to play at Wimbledon one last time,” he said.
The singles start on Monday and Murray, also entered in the doubles with his brother Jamie, will wait until the last moment to make his decision.
If the player does not participate in the Olympics, where he is entered in singles and doubles alongside Dan Evans, he could still play another tournament, such as the US Open, in order to bow out on his own terms.