Andy Murray Opts Out of Wimbledon Singles, Focuses on Doubles with Brother Jamie

Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has pulled out of this year's men's singles after undergoing recent surgery for a spinal cyst. The British player, 37, was due to play Tomas Machac in the first round but has decided to concentrate on his recovery and will instead compete in doubles with his brother Jamie.

A statement from his team confirmed that, while diligent efforts have been made in the rehabilitation process following his surgery, Murray reluctantly has decided to pull out of the contest in singles. Of course, this will be news that will disappoint Murray himself, but he is still intending to play the doubles with his brother Jamie—what he has hinted may be his last outing at Wimbledon.

Part of Murray's Wimbledon history is distinguished; his proud record stands at 61-13 in singles at SW19, having captured the trophy twice. His first success in 2013 was considered history-making when it made him the first British men's singles champion at Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936.

Recently injury-plagued, Murray followed a decision to immediately retire from last month's contest with Jordan Thompson at Queen's due to increasing problems, which the doctors said were caused by a spinal cyst causing compression of the nerves in his back, making one of his legs go numb; this required surgery that now has impacted his Wimbledon plans.