Andy Murray of England undecided on Wimbledon participation

Andy Murray has yet to decide whether he will participate in Wimbledon this year, despite the ATP initially announcing his withdrawal due to back surgery. The ATP posted on its ‘X’ account that the 37-year-old former world number one had pulled out of the tournament after undergoing surgery for a spinal cyst.

“After an operation on a spinal cyst, Andy Murray is sadly out of Wimbledon. Rest up and recover Andy, we’ll miss seeing you there,” read the ATP’s message, which was later deleted, leaving uncertainty about the two-time Wimbledon champion’s status.

The Daily Telegraph also reported that Murray might miss Wimbledon. The tournament starts on July 1, and Murray is also trying to be fit for the Paris Olympics next month, where he hopes to compete for a third gold medal in singles.

The Wimbledon draw is set for Friday, providing Murray with limited time to decide. However, Great Britain Davis Cup captain Leon Smith clarified that no final decision has been made. “I’ve seen the reports and on social media, but that’s not my understanding,” Smith told the BBC on Sunday. “He obviously went through a procedure yesterday (Saturday) and you have to wait and see now. My understanding is no decision has been made and let’s hope for the best for Andy.”

Murray was forced to retire from his second-round match against Australia’s Jordan Thompson at the Queen’s Club due to a back injury, managing only five games. The three-time Grand Slam champion, who has a metal hip, reported weakness in his right leg and loss of coordination.

“I never had that loss of coordination, control, and strength in my leg before,” Murray said after the match. “I’ve been struggling with my back for a while — I had lost the power in my right leg so lost all motor control, I had no coordination and couldn’t really move.”

When asked about his chances of playing at Wimbledon, he said: “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 underwent minor back surgery in 2013 and recently mentioned needing treatment for back soreness after his first-round loss at the French Open. He only returned to competitive play in May after being sidelined for nearly two months with an ankle injury. He had planned to play singles and doubles with his brother Jamie at Wimbledon before potentially ending his career at the Olympics.