Murray ruled out of Wimbledon after back operation

Two-time champion Andy Murray will miss Wimbledon after undergoing back surgery on a spinal cyst.

The 37-year-old Scot was hoping to make a farewell Wimbledon appearance but went under the knife on Saturday after withdrawing while trailing early in his second-round match against Australia's Jordan Thompson at Queen's on Wednesday.

He faces around six weeks out, which also puts his participation in the Paris Olympics in serious doubt.

"After an operation on a spinal cyst, Andy Murray is sadly out of Wimbledon," the ATP said on social media platform X. "Rest up and recover Andy, we'll miss seeing you there."

Three-time grand slam champion breathed new life into his career after having hip resurfacing surgery in 2019 but has struggled to make the latter stages of the top tournaments and recently had to deal with an ankle injury sustained at the Miami Open in March.

The double Olympic gold medallist had previously said that he was unlikely to continue playing next season and it would be a fitting end to his glittering career if he bowed out at the All England Club or the Paris Games.

Wimbledon runs from July 1-14 while the tennis competition at the Olympics will begin on July 27.

with PA