Andy Murray to have emergency surgery on back injury in desperate bid to make Wimbledon farewell in just nine days’ time
ANDY MURRAY will undergo emergency back surgery TODAY to try and revive his Wimbledon farewell bid.
The British tennis icon, 37, suffered a back injury during Queen’s this week.
Tough viewing
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Andy Murray is forced to retire and waves goodbye to the tournament that has given him so much#CinchChampionships pic.twitter.com/cwHC5E370R
He was barely able to move in awkward and distressing scenes in his last-16 clash with Australian Jordan Thompson.
And after receiving a medical time-out, the world No129 retired hurt trailing 4-1 in the first set before emotionally waving goodbye to the Queen’s crowd.
But now with just nine days to go until the first day of Wimbledon on July 1, Murray is going under the knife to try and fix the back issue.
It is understood the surgery is a minor procedure and Murray’s team are due to give an update once the op is done.
The former world No1 remains hopeful of being fit enough to take to the court at Wimbledon in what is expected to be his final appearance.
All England Club chiefs revealed plans are in place to honour Murray should he confirm 2024 will be his final Championships.
Two-time singles champion Muzza has also entered the doubles with older brother Jamie.
The double Olympic gold medalist has then earmarked Paris 2024 as potentially his final event before hanging up his racquet and retiring.
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Murray was selected by Team GB for the Olympics – although Emma Raducanu rejected a wildcard to appear on the clay of Roland Garros.
Speaking on Wednesday after withdrawing from Queen’s, he admitted he regretted even stepping on to court – before detailing the lower back pain.
Murray said: “When I walked up the stairs before going out, and in the pre-match warm-up, my back was uncomfortable.
“It was an awkward atmosphere because everyone could see there was a problem and I didn’t know if I should play or stop. It’s disappointing.
“In hindsight, I wish I hadn’t gone on the court.”
Murray added: “I have neural pain across my lower back.
“It’s a nerve-type sort of discomfort. It’s been pretty uncomfortable and today was just a numbness and loss of strength, power and control.
“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.”
Wimbledon 2024 prize money
PRIZE MONEY for the 2024 Wimbledon Championships is a new record – and puts the grass-court Slam at the top of the tree.
The All England Club will dish out £50million across all the events – an increase of £5.3m and 11.9 per cent on last year, where singles champions Carlos Alcaraz and Marketa Vondrousova picked up £2.35m each.
However, the king and queen of grass this July will collect an extra £350,000 – taking the winner’s earnings to £2.7m.
Here is the breakdown for the 2024 Wimbledon singles prize money:
- Winner: £2.7m
- Runner-up: £1.4m
- Semi-finalists: £715,000
- Quarter-finalists: £375,000
- Fourth round: £226,000
- Third round: £143,000
- Second round: £93,000
- First round: £60,000
- Overall total: £50m
Murray is no stranger to injuries throughout his incredible 1,001-match, 19-year professional career.
The Dunblane ace – who has earned more than £51million in prize money – had a back operation in 2013, just two months after winning his first Wimbledon title.
Murray’s biggest operation was his hip resurfacing surgery in 2019, which means he is now playing with a metal hip.
And earlier this year, the Brit ruptured ankle ligaments at the Miami Open as his body struggles to cope with the rigours of professional tennis.
