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Andy Murray’s first round Wimbledon opponent announced amid doubts over fitness to play

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Andy Murray’s first round Wimbledon opponent announced amid doubts over fitness to play

The 37-year-old is recovering from surgery but will give himself as long as possible to decide if he is fit enough to play at Wimbledon before calling time on his career. The draw has given him a welcome boost in his race against time.


Andy Murray will face Czech Tomas Machac in the first round of the Wimbledon singles if he is fit enough to take part.

The 37-year-old, who confirmed he is planning for the Olympics in Paris to be the final event of his career, had surgery on a spinal cyst only last Saturday.

He said on Thursday he will wait “until the very last moment” to decide if he can play at SW19 one last time.

In a boost for his race against time, Friday’s draw places the Scot’s opening game on Tuesday, giving him an extra day to try to recover.

Murray is also entered into the doubles with brother Jamie for the first time, which currently appears the most likely avenue for him to make a final appearance at Wimbledon.



Image:
Murray receives treatment on the court at Queen’s Club. Pic: PA

“I would say it’s probably more likely that I’m not able to play singles right now,” he said on Thursday.

“I spoke to my brother a couple of days ago in terms of the doubles to see if he wants to find someone else to play with, and I was obviously absolutely fine with that.

“But he also wants the opportunity to try to play. We’ll see how the next few days go.”

February: Murray drops retirement hint

Elsewhere, British number one Jack Draper, who is seeded at a grand slam for the first time, takes on qualifier Elias Ymer in round one and could meet compatriot Cameron Norrie in round two.

Emma Raducanu’s first Wimbledon match for two years will be against Russian 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.

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The former US Open champion has shown good form recently, and will have high hopes after missing last year’s tournament following surgery on both wrists and one ankle.

British number one Katie Boulter, meanwhile, is seeded at the All England Club for the first time and opens her campaign against former semi-finalist Tatjana Maria.

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