Andy Murray named in Wimbledon singles draw

Andy Murray © Gallo Images

Andy Murray was included in the Wimbledon singles draw on Friday despite undergoing surgery last week.

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The 37-year-old British two-time champion underwent surgery on a cyst in his spine, raising major doubts about his participation.

The former world No. 1 said on Thursday that he would likely not be fit enough to play in singles.

An update from @Andy Murray on @wimbledon

🗣️ @the times photo.twitter.com/GYvEKLA0Mz

— LTA (@the_LTA) June 27, 2024

Murray, who has dropped to 115th in the world rankings, will play Czech Tomas Machac, ranked 38th, in the first round of Wimbledon, which starts on Monday.

The Scot, who plays with a metal hip, underwent surgery after experiencing weakness and loss of coordination in his right leg while playing for Queen’s, forcing him to withdraw from that tournament.

Murray, who won the Wimbledon title in 2013 and 2016, said he was told he needed immediate treatment from multiple surgeons.

On Thursday, Murray and brother Jamie were awarded the final wildcard for the Wimbledon men’s doubles by the All England Club.

A very special combination 🥹@Andy Murray And @jamie_murray have been awarded a wildcard for this year’s men’s doubles 🙌#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/0WqIC1euqT

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2024

Murray hopes the Paris Olympics will be the final event of his career.

Olympic entries will be confirmed next week, with Murray hoping to play singles and doubles with Dan Evans.

Machac has a 2-0 lead over Murray in the head-to-head matches, having won in both Marseille and Miami this year.

The 23-year-old also stunned Novak Djokovic last month in the semi-finals in Geneva on the eve of the French Open.