Andy Murray’s singles career at Wimbledon is over. In fact, it ended with a dramatic five-set loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas in last year’s second round.
Twelve months later, Murray–despite holding out hope until the last minute–was unable to play singles at a beloved tournament that he has won twice. The 37-year-old had been drawn against Tomas Machac and was scheduled for Tuesday evening, but he withdrew in the morning.
“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,” a statement from Murray’s team read. “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.”
Murray dealt with a back injury last month at Queen’s Club, where he advanced one round before retiring in the first set of his second-round match against Jordan Thompson. The four-time Grand Slam champion was hoping to be at least close to 100 percent by Wimbledon, but he also didn’t want to take the court if he was a shadow of his real self–which was the case at Queen’s against Thompson.
“I’m hoping that, yeah, with each day that passes that the likelihood of me being able to play will increase,” he said during his pre-tournament press conference. “Yeah, I mean, it’s impossible for me to say because I also want to go out there, like I said, and be able to play to a level that I’m happy with. I don’t want to be in a situation like at Queen’s; I don’t want to go on the court and it to be awkward or not be able to at least be competitive.
“I spoke to my brother about that. I’ve obviously spoken to my team about that. We’re all aware of the situation.”
If–and only if–Murray does improve, he will have at least one more match at the All-England Club in the form of doubles with his brother. Of course, that also remains to be seen.
But if the British mood was as bleak as the early-afternoon rain showers, a sunny late afternoon and evening proved to turn things around for the host nation. Following Murray’s withdrawal and five-set losses by Paul Jubb and Jan Choinski, Great Britain’s best hope of all–Jack Draper–came to the rescue.
Draper was unexpectedly pushed to a five-setter of his own by Elias Ymer, but the rising star came up with the goods when it mattered most to prevail 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in a match that replaced Murray vs. Machac on Centre Court.
“It was good,” Draper assured. “Obviously different playing on Centre Court; was expecting Court 2. I felt like my preparation has been great. Didn’t know what to expect from Elias Ymer. He came out firing. He was playing a great level. I think people have the narrative that only the top hundred players in the world or top-50 players in the world or top-20 players play great tennis. I think the world’s top 200 or 300 play unbelievable on their day.
“It was a really tough match…. I feel like I’m hitting the ball incredibly well. There were certain times in the match today where I think, ’cause you don’t often play on big courts, I haven’t experienced Centre too much, it’s a different feel. It’s not like the practice courts at Aorangi…. Yeah, (I’m) happy with the way I played. Privileged obviously to be on Centre.”
Draper may find himself on Centre again on Thursday, because compatriot Cameron Norrie also pulled out a win late on Tuesday evening and they will go head-to-head in round two.
It won’t be Murray, but at least one British man will find himself in the last 32.
