The Freeman

Murray pulls out of Wimbledon

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LONDON — Andy Murray has sensationa­lly withdrawn from Wimbledon on the eve of the tournament after the two-time champion decided he wasn't fit enough to compete at the All England Club.

Murray has only just returned to action after 11 months on the sidelines due to a hip injury that needed surgery in January.

"It's with regret I'm withdrawin­g from Wimbledon," Murray said in a statement on Sunday.

"I've made significan­t progress in practice and matches over the last 10 days but, after lengthy discussion­s with my team and with a heavy heart, we've decided that playing best-of-five-set matches might be a bit too soon in the recovery process."

Murray was due to play France's Benoit Paire in the first round on Tuesday, but he had admitted on Sunday morning that there was a chance he could pull out if his body didn't feel right.

Just hours later, Murray dropped his bombshell, ending his hopes of adding another Wimbledon crown to those he collected in 2013 and 2016.

The 31-year-old Scot, whose ranking is down to 156, had played just three matches since making his comeback last week.

Murray was beaten by Nick Kyrgios at Queen's Club then saw off Stan Wawrinka at Eastbourne on Monday, but the former world number on lost to Kyle Edmund on Wednesday.

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