Andy Murray’s sad announcement on eve of Wimbledon
Andy Murray has pulled out of Wimbledon a day after confirming he was ready to play the Grand Slam tournament.
The 31-year-old two-time Wimbledon champion released a statement, saying: “It's with regret I'm withdrawing from Wimbledon.
“I've made significant progress in practice and matches over the last ten days, but after lengthy discussions with my team and with a heavy heart, we've decided that playing best of five set matches might be a bit too soon in the recovery process.
“We did everything we could to try to be ready in time. I will start practising on the hard courts from tomorrow and continuing with my rehab and recovery and I'm looking forward to the US hardcourt season.
“Thanks for all the messages of support and I'm excited to finally be back playing after so long out.”
The Brit has been beset by hip problems for the past year and underwent surgery less than six months ago. He returned to the competition two weeks ago.
Murray was due to face Frenchman Benoit Paire in the first round on Tuesday.
The official Wimbledon Twitter page responded to Murray's statement by posting on social media, writing: “Really sorry to hear the news, @andy_murray.
“From everyone at the All England Club, we wish you all the best with your journey back from injury.”
In 2013, Murray became the first British man in 77 years to win a Wimbledon singles title. He won the championship again in 2016.
Murray – considered a member of the ruling "Big 4" of men's tennis, along with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – has reached at least the quarter-finals in each of his past 10 appearances at the All England Club.
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