Andy Murray, who officially played his last Wimbledon match with his older brother Jamie, has stated that he will not play beyond this summer. This means that the former World #1, two-time singles Gold Medalist, three-time Grand Slam champion (including 2 Wimbledon titles), Davis Cup winner and many other titles, would be retiring from the professional tour.
Having been forced to retire in 2019, the Brit had intended to make the retirement at Wimbledon, due to hip issues. Unfortunately, Murray didn’t make Wimbledon and after defeat at the Australian Open, the tournament played a retirement video to the Brit.
Murray then had hip resurfacing and by the end of 2019 was back winning singles matches. Before then, the Brit clinched the doubles title with Feliciano Lopez at Queens, played mixed doubles at Wimbledon with Serena Williams.
Comeback
The Brit managed five years post hip resurfacing, but unfortunately, more injuries occurred for Murray, culminating in the Brit reaching the decision that 2024 would be his final Wimbledon. Murray had hoped to play singles at The Championships, but an injury at Queens forced the Brit to retire in his second-round singles match, which cast doubt on him even making Wimbledon.
Surgery on his back to remove a cyst on his spine only 10 days before Wimbledon started cast further doubt on a final appearance. Murray tried hard to be ready for the singles, but withdrew from the draw. However, he did feel able to take part in the doubles.
Tribute from Wimbledon
After losing in a tight first round match of the mens doubles with his brother Jamie, the All-England club played a tribute video for the Brit. After everything Murray has done for British Tennis, the tribute left Centre Court in tears. It had been discussed with Murray and his team at all stages. Wimbledon did not want to make the same mistake that the Australian Open did.
Once Murray has officially retired, he becomes eligible for the invitational part of Wimbledon. This is for retired players only. Lopez retired last season and has played this years invitational doubles event. The Brit, who will always be a hero here, could play 2025 if he retires this year.
Offers on the table
The first player to make an offer to Murray to play with him next year at the invitational was Ash Barty. The Australian retired in March 2022. Barty says that she regrets not playing mixed doubles with Murray in 2019. She has suggested she will ask Murray to play Wimbledon mixed doubles in the invitational next year.
Murray’s doubles partner from Queen’s 2019 Lopez has also offered to play with Murray in the Gentlemens doubles. Lopez has sent a message to the Brit when asked if he wanted to play the event next year. The Spaniard smiled, and said, “Andy, I’m waiting for you for next year invitational. I hope this time you don’t say no.”
If Murray were to accept either, or both, offers, he would be guaranteed a super reception. In fact, it would be likely that which ever court his “Legends” match were on would be crowded. Will the Brit take up either offer? Probably too early to know, but Andy Murray and Wimbledon go together and the All-England Club would be ecstatic to have him back so quickly.
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