Wimbledon fans share disappointment and sympathy as Andy Murray withdraws from singles

Andy Murray fans have expressed dismay and sympathy after news he will not be making a much-anticipated appearance at Wimbledon’s men’s singles tournament.

Murray, 37, had been been battling to recover from back surgery last weekend, in time for a first-round clash against Tomas Machac had been scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

But his team announced on Tuesday morning he had made the “very difficult” decision to withdraw from the singles tournament, though he committed to competing in doubles with his brother Jamie.

Among disappointed Centre Court ticket-holders on Tuesday morning were Katie and Amy Pryle, from Hertfordshire, who said: “Obviously it would have been a bonus to see Andy Murray today, [but] if he’s injured he’s injured.

“Poor him, and great that he will hopefully be able to do the doubles and have a final play at Wimbledon.”

Simone Pellegrino, from London, said: “I think it’s a shame especially for those who are fans and expecting him to play today.

“I was hearing people on the Underground coming here, who were very disappointed. I guess it could be a shame for many.

“It’s a big event, so you prepare and train for months. I think it’s something that you would regret.”

Scott Pack, from Windsor, praised Murray’s decision to prioritise his health, saying: “You don’t want someone playing if they’re too injured.

“It would have been lovely for him to get a send-off and it’s great that he was on Centre Court. But hey, he’ll be playing doubles with his brother.

“And he’s won Wimbledon twice. What more can you do?

“He just wants to play and I think he just wanted to say goodbye, so that’s the shame. But what a career - it’s amazing.”

Aidan Brady, from Willesden in north London, agreed, saying: “I think he [would be’ doing himself more hurt than good by playing on. I think your health is more important than your fame or fortune.”

Another Centre Court spectator said they were disappointed not to see Murray play a last singles match at Wimbledon, but will “watch and wait” for the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) to pay a “special farewell” to Murray.

Some tennis fans had camped near the grounds for two nights to score tickets to watch the two-time Wimbledon champion’s SW19 “swansong”.

A statement from Murray’s representatives on Tuesday morning read: “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.

“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.”

Speaking on Sunday, Murray had told journalists he was hoping for “a bit of closure” by playing at Wimbledon one last time.

“I just want the opportunity to play one more time out there hopefully on Centre Court, and I don't know, feel that buzz,” he said.

“It's coming to the end of my career and I want to have that opportunity to play here again.

Speaking after practice on Monday, Murray had said he would talk to his team and his family before making a final decision on playing.

He was on Tuesday replaced in the draw by lucky loser David Goffin, but will at least get a Wimbledon send-off on the court in doubles, where he will play with Jamie at a grand slam for the first time.

This is not quite the end of Murray’s singles career, as he is set to make a final appearance at the Olympics in Paris later this month, before he is expected to finally call time on his illustrious career.

Discussions will now ramp up about how to celebrate one of Britain’s finest athletes at the tournament that will define his career.

Chief executive Sally Bolton said on Monday: “We have got a variety of plans sitting waiting to deliver. It really is for Andy to make that call and we’ll be ready whenever that happens.

“There’s been various conversations ongoing for some time now. Andy of course is very focused on his performance, not really on anything else.

“Once he decides to retire and we all get the chance to celebrate him I think you’ll really see how much he has meant to not just the tennis-loving public but the sports-loving public in the UK. I think there’ll be tears around the house.”