Andy Murray adjusts Wimbledon preparations as he withdraws from tournament

Andy Murray has pulled out of next week’s Surbiton Trophy Challenger tournament ahead of his potential last Wimbledon appearance.

The three-time Grand Slam champion started his grass-court season last year by winning the ATP Challenger event in Surbiton, but he will not defend his title.

Murray competed at the 2024 French Open, where he was beaten in the opening round in both the men’s singles and doubles events.

The 37-year-old fell 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 to Stan Wawrinka in singles last week, while he and Dan Evans lost 7-6(6), 7-6(3) to Sebastian Baez and Thiago Seyboth Wild in doubles on Friday.

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Following the doubles defeat, Murray revealed he was “struggling a little bit” with his back. With the Surbiton Trophy beginning on Monday, he would have also had to make a swift transition from clay courts to grass.

Murray said in a statement to the LTA: “Unfortunately I won’t be back to defend my title at the Lexus Surbiton Trophy this year.

“It’s such a great tournament with amazing fans, so it’s been a tough decision, but one my team and I felt we needed to make.

“I always love playing in front of the home crowd and I can’t wait to get back to the Cinch Championships in a few weeks.”

Murray is next set to feature at the ATP 250 tournament in Stuttgart, which will run from June 10-16. The former world No 1 was a runner-up in Stuttgart in 2022.

The Brit will then feature at the Queen’s Club Championships the following week, prior to what could be his final outing at Wimbledon.

The two-time Olympic champion has revealed he could team up with his brother Jamie Murray in doubles at the All England Club.

“I may do, yeah. I’m not 100 per cent sure yet,” Murray said. “My brother doesn’t have a partner for Wimbledon currently.

“We have spoken a little bit about it. So may do that, but not 100 per cent sure yet. I mean obviously Jamie could also get a good partner, as well.

“We’ll see what happens, but yeah, we’ll probably decide in the next few days probably.”

Murray has also expressed his desire to play at the Paris Olympics, which will run from July 27 to August 4. The tennis great divulged earlier this year he was unlikely to play beyond this summer, but has since suggested he may keep playing.

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