The Queen’s Club Championship took an unexpected turn when Andy Murray was forced to withdraw from his match against Jordan Thompson due to a back injury. The 37-year-old tennis player looked uncomfortable even before stepping onto the court, signaling that something was amiss. Murray required immediate treatment on his lower back from his trainer just moments into the round-of-16 match. Despite his efforts to continue playing, he was ultimately forced to retire with Thompson leading 4-1.
In speaking with reporters after the match, Murray revealed that he had neglected to treat the right side of his back following the French Open. He acknowledged that all tennis players experience some level of degenerative joints in their backs, but for him, the issue was mostly concentrated on his left side throughout his career. This setback comes after Murray’s consideration of retirement in 2019 due to a hip injury, making his determination to play at Wimbledon and represent Great Britain at the Olympics even more significant.
Hope for Recovery
Despite the disappointment at Queen’s Club Championship, Murray remains hopeful for his upcoming tournaments. He expressed a desire to address the issues with his right side and undergo necessary scans and treatments to improve his condition. Murray, a former world number one and three-time Grand Slam champion, had recently marked his 1,000th tour-level singles match with a victory, showcasing his resilience in the face of physical challenges.
In men’s doubles, British pair Jack Draper and Cameron Norrie faced a defeat in the round of 16, losing to Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Santiago Gonzalez. Meanwhile, at the Birmingham Classic, Heather Watson and Greet Minnen advanced to the women’s doubles quarterfinals with a convincing win over their opponents. Watson and Minnen are set to play Miyu Kato and Zhang Shuai in the next round, aiming to continue their success in the competition.
The physical struggles faced by Andy Murray at the Queen’s Club Championship serve as a reminder of the demanding nature of professional tennis. Despite facing setbacks, Murray’s determination to overcome his injuries and return to the top of the sport is a testament to his unwavering passion for the game. As he prepares for Wimbledon and the Olympics, fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see the former champion rise above his challenges once again.
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