Tennis fans are eager to see Andy Murray’s Wimbledon swan song. But when thousands of fans began flocking to SW19 hoping for a chance to see him, they were left disappointed after it was announced he would not be competing in the men’s singles.
Particularly enthusiastic were Charles Bowden, 32, and Kelly Ann Ethell, 24, who had been camping out since 2pm the day before to get tickets. “I was heartbroken. I got a ticket to Center Court hoping to see him,” Bowden said.
Two-time men’s champion Murray was forced to withdraw from a singles match against Czech Tomas Makhach on Tuesday after failing to recover adequately from back surgery he underwent ten days ago. The announcement came minutes after the gates opened to the public.
But he still has the chance to make his final Wimbledon appearance as he joins his brother Jamie in the men’s doubles later this week.
Some tournament-goers have been camping out since Saturday in the hope of seeing Murray play his final men’s singles match at Wimbledon.
Bowden and Ethel, who came to south-west London from Blackpool, said Murray was their favorite player. “It’s a pity that he won’t be seeing him off at Center Court. [in the singles]that’s what his career is about,” Bowden said.
Murray’s absence means Novak Djokovic is the only player from the so-called “final four” – which also includes Rafael Nadal and retired Ronaldo – to take part in this year’s Wimbledon singles tournament. Jay Federer.
“This is a farewell to an entire generation,” Bowden said. “You look at Stan Wawrinka, Gael Monfils, Novak Djokovic – he’s 37 years old and injured. This could be the end of a whole generation that I watched grow up. For This could be the last year for many players, not just Andy Murray.
Ethel wishes Murray a speedy recovery. “I hope he does well in the doubles match with Jamie,” she said. The two plan to continue camping until Murray bids farewell to the game (if he is in good health). “It’s going to be difficult. Waking up at 5 a.m. is tiring, but it’s going to be good,” she added.
Adam Fiske from the Isle of Wight said it was a pity that Murray could not participate in the game, but hoped that “he can advance (double) and play the last game on center court”.
He thanked Murray for his previous exciting performances, adding: “Even though he’s Scottish, it’s still fun to watch him.”
Despite traveling from Durham to watch Murray play on Center Court, 54-year-old Joseph fully supports his decision to quit. “It’s sad but I wish him the best, he knows his body better than anyone. We have to respect that,” he said. “He will be as upset as we are. He is more important than a tennis match.
He added: “What he has done for tennis is absolutely amazing. He is a fantastic ambassador for the sport. We may not have another British Wimbledon champion for a long time.
Nicola Tyrer, 52, traveled from Liverpool to watch the game. She had a ticket to Center Court but reflected on his decision. “It’s sad, isn’t it?” she said. “If he’s not healthy enough, he’s not healthy enough.”
She added: “He has achieved a lot. You have to take your hat off to him. He will be disappointed like anything.
Britain’s No. 1 player Jack Draper replaced Murray on center court, which could be seen as a sign of a changing of the guard. The 22-year-old from Sutton beat reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s last month.
Andy Flambard, 64, said the arrival of a new generation was a good thing.
He added: “We’ve had Murray, Djokovic, Federer and others playing for so many years and winning it all. The emergence of new varieties is good for tennis. It’s a must for all of us. Finish.
