Tests to see if new op is now needed

ANDY MURRAY flew back to London last night for further tests on his ruptured ankle ligaments – and to discover his chances of playing a final time at Wimbledon this summer.

The three-time Grand Slam champion suffered the injury at the Miami Open on Sunday night. The Scot, who had intended to retire this summer, will now seek a specialist diagnosis to learn if he can return to action with rest and physio or he requires surgery.

Wimbledon starts on July 1 while the Paris Olympics – his alternative farewell where he could play in the doubles – begins on July 27. Murray, 37 in May, vowed: “I’ll be back” but will learn his fate in the next few days after the pain and swelling has subsided.

Dr Daniel Fong, a sports medicine specialist at Loughborough University, said: “The time of recovery depends on the treatment, which could be a few months for surgical reconstruction, or a few weeks for conservative treatments such as bracing, taping and exercise.

“It really depends on the decision made by the player, the coach and the medics. Some people can do well with strong muscles to compensate for the reduced integrity of the ligaments. Many top players have experienced a lot of injuries during their career so this type of ligament injury is quite common for them.

“Surgery itself can be done with minimal invasive arthroscopic surgery, or “keyhole” surgery, with tunnels drilled in the small ankle bones for passing through some grafts.”

The double Olympic champion has already undergone two hip surgeries during his career, including a hip replacement in 2019.