Andy Murray set for surgical procedure in bid to be fit for Wimbledon

Former world No 1 Andy Murray is hopeful that a surgical procedure will ease the pain and loss of motor function he suffered as a result of a back injury at the French Open.

Murray attempted to return to the court this week at Queen’s but only managed to play five games in his match against Jordan Thompson.

The 37-year-old will undergo back surgery on Saturday in what he sees as his best chance to be fit for what would likely be his last appearance at Wimbledon as a player.

Wimbledon gets underway on Monday 1 July which only gives the Scot about a week to recover from the surgery and he would most likely not get any time on court between the procedure and his first match.

Murray explained that nerve pain he has been experiencing in his back had spread to his right leg just before he came on court at Queen’s this week, rendering him just about immobile.

“I had loss of power in my right leg. So loss of motor control, had no coordination. Yeah, couldn’t move,” Murray said.

Murray remains optimistic about his chances of being fit for Wimbledon.

“I didn’t necessarily get my right side of my back treated after the French Open, because I have, like all tennis players, we have degenerative joints and stuff in the back, but it’s all predominantly been left-sided for me for pretty much my whole career,” Murray added

“I have never had too many issues with the right side.

“So maybe there is something that can be done between now and then, you know, to help the right side.”

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Murray had received a painkilling injection to treat the pain and spasms on the left side of his back a week ago and it was thought he might do something similar to the right side to keep himself going.

However, the decision to go under the knife suggests the problem is more serious than initially though, although the surgery is said to be a minor procedure rather than a major operation.

Usually, a player that has undergone surgery wouldn’t have much chance of being fit to compete in a Grand Slam just ten days later, but if Murray has decided that Wimbledon will be his final event before retirement it is thought that he will drag himself to the All England Club on his hands and knees to give his all one last time.