Andy Murray, the five-time Queen’s winner, was forced to withdraw from the event due to a back injury. He fell behind Australian Jordan Thompson with a score at 4-1 in the opening set of his second-round match.

He recently defeated Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 6-3 3-6 6-3 in the first round to mark his 1,000th tour-level singles match.

Pulling out of the Queen’s event, Murray admitted: “I didn’t get the right side of my back treated after the French Open. All tennis players have degenerative joints in the back but it’s all predominantly been left-sided for me, for pretty much my whole career.” 

What’s next for Murray? 

The 37-year-old thought about retiring in 2019 due to a hip injury. However, he wants to participate at Wimbledon after receiving rest and medical attention. Despite his two Wimbledon victories, he has failed to go past the third round of the grass-court competition for the past three years.

“Maybe there’s something which can be done between now and then with my right side, will have a scan tomorrow and re-check and see what can be done,” he said. 

Murray has already stated that retiring at Wimbledon or the Olympics in Paris this year would be a fitting way to end his playing career. 

 

Source: CNA