Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray will not compete in this year’s Wimbledon Singles, however he will still team up with his brother Jamie in the doubles event. Murray’s decision came after undergoing surgery to remove a spinal cyst, casting doubt on his participation.
What Is a Spinal Cyst?
A spinal cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in or around the spinal cord or vertebrae. These cysts, which can contain various types of fluid like cerebrospinal or synovial fluid, arise from causes such as spine degeneration, inflammation, congenital conditions, or trauma. Common types include synovial cysts, arachnoid cysts, and Tarlov cysts. Symptoms depend on the cyst’s location and size but often include back pain, sciatica, numbness, weakness, and severe cases can lead to coordination and mobility issues.
Impact on Murray and Other Athletes
The impact on Murray is something to know about, as tennis involves repetitive movements and high-impact actions that stress the spine. This can contribute to the development or worsening of spinal cysts.
Overuse, improper techniques, or insufficient conditioning heighten the risk of spinal problems. Players with back pain or neurological symptoms should seek medical advice to diagnose conditions like spinal cysts and get appropriate treatment, which might range from rest and physical therapy to surgical intervention. Proper warm-up, strengthening exercises, and good posture during play are crucial preventive measures.
Murray’s Decision and Future Plans
Originally, Murray was scheduled to face Czech player Tomas Machac in the first round on Tuesday, holding the third and final slot on the Centre Court. Despite practicing on Monday and waiting until Tuesday morning to decide, he opted out of the singles event, focusing instead on the doubles tournament with his brother Jamie.
“Unfortunately, despite working incredibly hard on his recovery since his operation just over a week ago, Andy has taken the very difficult decision not to play the singles this year,” a statement from Murray’s team read.
“As you can imagine, he is extremely disappointed but has confirmed that he will be playing in the doubles with Jamie and looks forward to competing at Wimbledon for the last time.“
No US Open for Murray
Murray also recently announced he does not plan to travel to New York for the US Open, which begins on Monday, August 26, 2024.
With Andy Murray making a comeback in the doubles event, fans are eager to see him team up with his brother Jamie, hoping their combined experience and skill will lead to success on the grass courts.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
