Andy Murray’s Wimbledon singles career appears to be over after he withdrew ahead of his first round match.
The three-time grand slam winner was due to play world number 39 Tomas Machac in the final match on Centre Court on Tuesday.
Murray, who won Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016, had seen his participation in doubt since suffering an injury at Queen’s Club last month.
He subsequently underwent surgery to remove a spinal cyst ten days ago, but has run out of time to be fit enough to compete in the singles.
However, Murray still plans to compete at the All England Club in doubles with his brother Jamie.
A statement from his management team said: “Unfortunately, despite working incredibly hard on his recovery since his operation just over a week ago, Andy has taken the very difficult decision not to play the singles this year.
“As you can imagine, he is extremely disappointed but has confirmed that he will be playing in the doubles with Jamie and looks forward to competing at Wimbledon for the last time.”
Before the tournament, the 37-year-old said he had been fighting hard in rehab to be fit to play and hinted he would be retiring from playing later this year.
He said the nerve pain had been reducing every day, but it appears there just was not enough time to make the singles.
Last week, he said: “I have just been trying to do everything I can to try and get ready to start the tournament here. I don’t know if that’s going to be enough.
“Like I said a few days ago, I want to give it every single chance that I can to get there.”
Friends and players alike had urged Murray to withdraw from the singles so as not to risk any permanent damage to his body.
Nick Kyrgios said: “I don’t know much about it personally, but Andy Murray is a legend of this sport.
“He’s arguably one of the best to ever do it, so I completely understand him trying to get out here and get in front of his fans one last time.
“I don’t think I’ve played through something as severe as that.
“At the end of the day I’ve got a pretty good relationship with Andy, I don’t want him to do anything permanent to even affect his life after tennis.
“If he is feeling good enough to play some dubs (doubles) and get out there and give it one last push, I support it.
“But the way he is grimacing right now I’d say just wrap it up, get the legs up and enjoy it.”
There will still hopefully be a grand farewell for Murray as he plans to play in doubles alongside brother Jamie.
The draw is yet to be made, but it is sure to be the hottest ticket in town and if he is victorious then it is £650,000 each to the doubles winners.