Andy Murray had ankle ligament damage at the Miami Open, so it was surprising that he decided to compete in this year’s clay court season. However, Murray recently disclosed that he has a recurrent back issue, raising doubts about his decision once more.
After previously stating he would compete in the grass-court ATP Challenger event in London, where he won the title the previous year, Murray has withdrawn from next week’s Surbiton Trophy.
Nevertheless, Murray remained in Paris to play doubles with Dan Evans after losing to Stan Wawrinka in the opening round of the French Open on Sunday.
Following their loss on Friday in the opening round, Murray disclosed that he was “struggling a little bit” with his back.
After announcing his withdrawal from Surbiton on Saturday night, Murray said, “Unfortunately, I won’t be back to defend my title this year.” Although it was a difficult choice, my team and I thought that it was necessary.
Murray has now disclosed that he frequently experiences flare-ups in his back injury when playing on clay courts.
After losing to fellow Brit Dan Evans in the French Open doubles match, Murray admitted, “I really didn’t feel good.”
“For practice and other reasons, my back has been bothering me for the past few weeks. It hasn’t been very good.
“To tell the truth, the week before the French Open, I used to get a treatment on my back. Back in the day, clay would always give me trouble. This year, I didn’t, and it hasn’t been very cozy.
READ MORE: Andy Murray modifies his Wimbledon itinerary after withdrawing from the competition
“I wasn’t feeling really at ease on the court, but I was moving okay. I’m hoping to have a back procedure when I go home, recover for a few days, and then everything should be OK.
Murray continued by explaining that he was unlikely to compete in Surbiton because he wants to play at a better level in what may be his last few weeks of competition before a scheduled.
“I don’t think that is a letdown for the tournament,” he remarked. “The LTA wants to use the wildcards for guys who need them, so they asked me to enter the tournament.”
“I stated that I didn’t think I would play. My goal is to compete at the greatest level imaginable.
Murray’s admission of a back ailment will cast doubt on his choice to play on clay courts in recent weeks; his best chance of winning in his last professional year is almost certainly on grass courts in June and July.
The two-time Wimbledon champion triumphed at the ATP Challenger level last year, taking home the crowns at Nottingham and Surbiton, but he has chosen to.
This time, miss both of those competitions and participate in the Stuttgart ATP Tour event.
Later this month, he will play in the elite ATP Tour 500 tournament at the Queen’s Club, where he is slated to start as an unseeded player and probably face a very good opponent.
Murray’s back injury compounds the problems he already has. If he loses early in Stuttgart and Queen’s, he may not be able to play the grass court matches he would like to before his final Wimbledon. Murray is 36 years old.
In what may be an emotional last performance at Wimbledon next month, Murray has also hinted that he would play doubles with his brother Jamie.
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