- Andy Murray spoke openly about his plans to retire ahead of the French Open
- This summer’s championships could be his last appearance at Wimbledon
- The British star has also revealed that he is suffering from a back injury
Andy Murray admitted he is keen to get back on the grass after suffering back pain during the clay-court season.
The 37-year-old plans to undergo a ‘procedure’ on his back – which is not believed to be anything serious – in the coming days before heading to the Stuttgart Open.
“I really didn’t feel good,” said Murray, who lost in the first rounds of both the singles and doubles of the French Open.
‘My back has been a problem in recent weeks. For practice and stuff it wasn’t great. To be honest, I always had back surgery the week before the French Open.
‘In my best years, clay always caused problems with my back. So I would always have a procedure the week before the French Open. I didn’t do that this year. I was moving well. I really don’t feel very comfortable on the field.
Andy Murray has confirmed he will undergo a back procedure following his exit from the French Open
Murray admitted that the upcoming grass season will be easier on his body than the clay
Murray and Dan Evans, right, were defeated in the first round of the men’s doubles at Roland Garros
‘I hope that when I get home I will have surgery on my back and have a few days of rest and everything will be fine.’
Murray withdrew from the Surbiton Trophy on Saturday – this was always likely given his participation here – but is excited to return to his natural habitat on grass.
“It’s probably the surface that is easiest on my body these days, the surface that I would still like to take my chances on and play my best tennis on. I always look forward to this time of year.”
Murray clarified that there was no cause for concern about his withdrawal from Surbiton – where he won the title last year – and said he had already told the tournament he was unlikely to play, but was asked to enter anyway to to avoid having to include a wildcard if he changed his plans.
“I don’t feel like I’m letting the tournament down because of this,” he said.
‘I was asked to participate in the tournament because the LTA wants to use the wildcards for boys who need them. So they asked if I could come in. I said it was unlikely I would play.’
