Andy Murray to undergo back surgery as injury threatens Wimbledon farewell

Andy Murray will undergo surgery on his back on Saturday after suffering an injury at Queen’s Club.

The Scot struggled from the start of his second-round match against Australia’s Jordan Thompson on Wednesday and pulled out after only five games, putting his participation at this year’s Wimbledon in serious doubt.

The two-times former champion is hoping to make a farewell appearance at SW19, and that has not yet been ruled out despite Murray going under the knife just over a week before the tournament.

A statement from Murray’s management said: “Andy is having a procedure on his back tomorrow. We will know more after this has taken place and will update further as soon as possible.”

Murray described feeling a weakness in his right leg and losing coordination during the match against Thompson. He sought on-court treatment after three games but soon decided he could not continue. The 37-year-old had only returned to the match court five weeks ago after nearly two months out with an ankle injury.

On his chances of competing at Wimbledon, Murray said: “Like all tennis players, we have degenerative joints and stuff in the back but it’s all predominantly been left-sided for me my whole career.

“I have never had too many issues with the right side,” he added. “So maybe there is something that can be done between now and then to help the right side.”

This is not the first time Murray has suffered a back problem in his career. He underwent surgery in 2013, and last month he revealed he would need treatment to address soreness after a first-round loss to Stan Wawrinka at the French Open.

Murray is due to play singles and doubles with his brother Jamie at Wimbledon before potentially bringing his career to a close at the Olympics in Paris, but all of those plans are now in doubt.