Andy Murray out of Wimbledon singles - and Ilkley Trophy champion is beneficiary

ANDY MURRAY was extremely disappointed not to be able to play singles at Wimbledon one final time but proud of his efforts to recover from back surgery.

The 37-year-old made the decision on Tuesday morning to pull out of his scheduled first-round clash with Tomas Machac later in the day, 10 days after having a spinal cyst removed.

Murray will, though, get an on-court swansong having confirmed he will play doubles with his brother Jamie.

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The pair practised together on Tuesday afternoon, with Murray saying of his singles call: “I decided this morning.

Andy Murray's Wimbledon swansong will be in the doubles (Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)Andy Murray's Wimbledon swansong will be in the doubles (Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Andy Murray's Wimbledon swansong will be in the doubles (Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

“I slept on it, I told my team and my family that I didn’t think I was going to play just based on how I felt yesterday.

"I practised pretty well and I was playing pretty good, I just wasn’t happy with how my leg was feeling and I wanted to sleep on it and make sure I was happy with the decision.

“I ran around at home a bit this morning when I got up and it just wasn’t where I wanted it to be unfortunately.

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"It’s probably a few days too soon. But I worked extremely hard to at least give myself a chance to play.

David Goffin, who won Ilkley, benefits from Murray's withdrawal (Picture: Michael Regan/Getty Images)David Goffin, who won Ilkley, benefits from Murray's withdrawal (Picture: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
David Goffin, who won Ilkley, benefits from Murray's withdrawal (Picture: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“It was the right decision. It is extremely disappointing that I wasn’t able to play but, at the same time, where I’m at, 10 days after the operation in comparison to where I was told I would be and what my expectations were is incredible really.

“I obviously practised with my brother today and I look forward to playing the doubles.”

He has been replaced in the draw by lucky loser David Goffin – the Belgian former world No 7 who won the Ilkley Trophy just two weeks ago.

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