Andy Murray unsure of readiness for Wimbledon after back injury at Queen's
Andy Murray of Britain waves to applause from the crowd as he retires due to injury from his match against Jordan Thompson of Australia during their men's singles match on day five of The Queen's Club tennis tournament, in London, Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Credit: AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth
LONDON — Andy Murray retired from his second-round match at Queen’s Club because of a back injury on Wednesday, raising doubts about what is expected to be his final Wimbledon appearance.
The 37-year-old Murray stopped playing while trailing Jordan Thompson 4-1, and the former No. 1 player said he’d get scans on Thursday.
The two-time Wimbledon champion, who has signaled his intention to retire later this year, said he “wouldn’t know” about whether he’ll be ready when play starts July 1 at the All England Club.
Murray, who has won the Queen’s Club title five times, said he was experiencing problems with his right leg even before getting to the court. He was in obvious pain during the warmup and into the match.
After three games, Murray received treatment on his surgically repaired right hip, right knee and lower back.
Earlier, Sebastian Korda beat former Queen’s Club champion Grigor Dimitrov to reach the quarterfinals at the grass-court tournament.
Korda, who reached the final on grass in ’s-Hertogenbosch last week as he prepares for Wimbledon, won their second-round match 6-4, 3-6, 7-5.
People watch as Sebastian Korda of the US plays against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria during their men's singles match on day five of The Queen's Club tennis tournament, in London, Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Credit: AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth
“It was a big struggle. We were both serving well and waiting for our chances and there weren’t many. But when they came, I tried to take them,” said the 23rd-ranked Korda. “It is incredible playing at Queen’s, it is one of my favorite tournaments.”
Dimitrov won the Queen’s Club title in 2014.
It was Korda's seventh victory over a Top 10 opponent. He will next take on Rinky Hijikata for a spot in the semifinals. Hijikata defeated Italian player Matteo Arnaldi 7-6 (0), 7-6 (7).