Doc: Wimbledon looks a long shot
Andy Murray’S hip surgeon has revealed that it will be very difficult for the Briton to continue playing until Wimbledon.
An emotional Murray admitted on Friday that his time as a professional is nearly up because of the pain he still suffers, but he has also revealed his hope to bow out at his home Grand Slam in the summer.
Dr John O’Donnell, who operated on the Scot’s troublesome right hip, said: ‘I don’t think it is impossible, but it will be very difficult. He enjoys the Australian Open, and has been very keen to play, but Wimbledon is the high point for him.
‘Ideally he would want to play there, but I imagine once you make the decision that you are going to stop, it must get very difficult to keep going with the rehab, never-ending exercising, and putting up with the pain.
‘Once you see the end in sight, I guess it would be harder to get motivated.’
Murray is due to play Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of the Australian Open today — a match which may turn out to be his last.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s programme, O’Donnell said Murray had exhausted all avenues in his bid to return to the highest level.
It has been suggested that a hip replacement would be beneficial for the three-time Grand Slam champion. But O’Donnell added that all avenues have been explored.
‘Andy has tried really hard and explored every option that has any real possibility of being helpful,’ he said.
‘Realistically, I don’t think there is anywhere else to go to preserve his hip and get it better so he can continue to play. That won’t happen now.’