London: Andy Murray's participation in Wimbledon remains uncertain despite the ATP initially announcing his withdrawal due to back surgery. The 37-year-old, a two-time Wimbledon champion, has not made a final decision on his availability for the prestigious Grand Slam tournament.

The ATP's official 'X' account had stated Murray's unfortunate withdrawal following a spinal cyst operation, expressing regret at his absence from Wimbledon. However, this message was swiftly removed, casting doubt on Murray's actual status for the event.

Reports from Britain's Daily Telegraph also suggested Murray would miss Wimbledon, adding to the speculation surrounding his fitness and future plans. With Wimbledon set to commence on July 1, time is running out for Murray to make a definitive choice. Despite these reports, Great Britain's Davis Cup captain, Leon Smith, asserted that no decision had been confirmed by Murray himself.

"I've seen the reports on social media, but that's not my understanding," Smith clarified in an interview with the BBC. "This information seems to have come from one source and has led to widespread reporting, but as far as I know, no decision has been made. We can only hope for the best for Andy."

Murray's recent setbacks include a premature exit from the Queen's Club tournament, where he retired from his second-round match due to a back injury. He expressed concerns about weakness and lack of coordination in his right leg, symptoms he had not experienced previously.

Discussing his Wimbledon prospects after the Queen's Club incident, Murray acknowledged ongoing issues with his back, particularly on his right side, which he had not encountered throughout his career until now. Despite undergoing minor back surgery in 2013 and managing recent ankle injuries, Murray remains determined to explore options that could potentially aid his recovery and participation.

With Wimbledon's draw scheduled for Friday, Murray faces a tight deadline to evaluate his physical condition and make a final decision. His aspirations also include preparing for the Paris Olympics, where he aims to defend his two-time gold medal status in singles.

Murray's resilience and dedication to overcoming physical challenges have been hallmark traits throughout his career. His decision on Wimbledon will not only impact his immediate sporting commitments but also potentially shape his future aspirations in professional tennis. AFP