It has been on my thoughts quite a bit, the one identify on everybody’s lips over the weekend earlier than Wimbledon: Andy Murray.
How is he? Will he be capable to get on courtroom one remaining time? How can he after having an operation on his backbone only a week in the past? How a lot will it imply to him to have one remaining goodbye at Wimbledon?
In a means it feels typical of Murray, the scenario he finds himself in.
He had an operation on his backbone simply over every week in the past and now, as he has in earlier years with the varied challenges posed in entrance of him, he has yet another to beat.
To do that, as soon as once more, Murray might be testing his bodily and psychological limits to do every thing he can to get on courtroom for that second… that particular second the place he can take within the applause of the crowds who’ve supported him within the lowest in addition to highest moments of his profession – which have largely taken place at Wimbledon.
I spoke to Sky Sports activities Tennis analyst Laura Robson and we each ended up simply stuffed with admiration of Murray’s competitiveness and the way the very fact he’s even in competition to be on courtroom 10 days after he had surgical procedure is a testomony to the participant.
I watched him follow on Saturday afternoon – our actual first glimpse of how he was faring, and he appeared a pissed off determine. It was clearly a session to check out how his physique would react to some rallies, a couple of sprints and I left that session considering it appears unlikely he’ll be capable to play aggressive tennis in opposition to Tomas Machac in his first spherical match on Tuesday.
This all made far more sense once we spoke to Murray on Sunday, as he defined how though he’s feeling tremendous along with his again, it’s really the affect the operation has had on his legs which has restricted him.
He’s but to regain full feeling in his legs because the operation, though it has improved day by day. Murray questioned himself whether or not it should enhance sufficient for him to compete in opposition to Machac.
The excellent news is that Murray can have till Thursday to resolve whether or not he can play males’s doubles along with his brother Jamie, which might be an important day for him and their household – however would that be sufficient or the best means for Murray to bow out of Wimbledon without end?
I feel the query stays in my thoughts as a result of I spoke to many gamers over the weekend about Murray and his potential remaining goodbye at Wimbledon. It truly is eye-opening to see all of them, not simply pay tribute to him, but additionally the hope all of them have that Murray has the second he deserves to say goodbye.
I requested seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic about his good pal Murray, who he informed me was a ‘legend of the sport’ however he additionally defined simply how a lot it could imply for him to make it on courtroom.
Djokovic mentioned: “He undoubtedly deserves an awesome farewell from his favorite event, the event he received twice, the place he received the Olympic video games – he ought to end on his personal phrases, all of us hope he might be bodily match sufficient to complete on his personal phrases and need him all the most effective.”
Caroline Wozniacki had an analogous tribute for Murray, describing how few gamers within the historical past of tennis have achieved what he has with the hope he can end on his personal accord.
Gael Monfils informed me ‘he is the person, he is Sir Andy Murray!’ and that every one the gamers might be supporting Murray right here at Wimbledon to say goodbye.
It might be straightforward for lots of the gamers to speak properly about their fellow participant however for me, it’s the smiles and heat with which they speak about Murray. I requested lots of the gamers about their very own kind, Wimbledon, and many others – however usually their longest solutions have been in tribute to Murray.
So what’s the excellent goodbye?
I used to be initially questioning – does it must be in entrance of a full Centre Courtroom? Does it must be in a singles tie or will the doubles along with his brother be sufficient?
I left Wimbledon on Sunday night feeling, properly – perhaps it doesn’t matter in any case.
The legacy you permit upon the hundreds upon hundreds of followers Murray has entertained and introduced alongside his profession at Wimbledon in addition to the admiration from his friends… maybe that’s sufficient for somebody that has cemented himself as a tennis legend.
Whether or not Murray is ready to get on courtroom within the singles, doubles or by no means – it feels, as I discussed earlier than, typical Andy Murray that he’ll be preventing day by day, minute and second to see if he might be in a position to take action.
What’s developing on Sky Sports activities Tennis?
Within the run-up to the ultimate Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you’ll be able to watch the entire greatest tennis stars in motion dwell on Sky Sports activities as they compete throughout the hard-court season.
- Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
- Newport Corridor of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
- Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
- Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
- Palermo Women Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
- Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
- Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July
Watch the WTA and ATP Excursions all through 2024 on Sky Sports activities Tennis. Stream Sky Sports activities Tennis and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.