Reporters Notebook: Sky Sports’ Dan Khan reflects on his weekend at Wimbledon with Andy Murray on his mind | Tennis News

It has been on my mind quite a lot, the one name on everyone’s lips over the weekend before Wimbledon: Andy Murray.

How is he? Will he be able to get on court one final time? How can he after having an operation on his spine just a week ago? How much will it mean to him to have one final goodbye at Wimbledon?

In a way it feels typical of Murray, the situation he finds himself in.

He had an operation on his spine just over a week ago and now, as he has in previous years with the various challenges posed in front of him, he has one more to overcome.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Jacquie Beltrao brings the latest update on Andy Murray’s recovery and his efforts towards playing at Wimbledon

To do this, once again, Murray will be testing his physical and mental limits to do everything he can to get on court for that moment… that special moment where he can take in the applause of the crowds who have supported him in the lowest as well as highest moments of his career – which have largely taken place at Wimbledon.

I spoke to Sky Sports Tennis analyst Laura Robson and we both ended up just full of admiration of Murray’s competitiveness and how the fact he is even in contention to be on court 10 days after he had surgery is a testament to the player.

I watched him practice on Saturday afternoon – our real first glimpse of how he was faring, and he seemed a frustrated figure. It was clearly a session to test out how his body would react to a few rallies, a few sprints and I left that session thinking it seems unlikely he will be able to play competitive tennis against Tomas Machac in his first round match on Tuesday.

This all made much more sense when we spoke to Murray on Sunday, as he explained how although he is feeling fine with his back, it is actually the impact the operation has had on his legs which has limited him.

He is yet to regain full feeling in his legs since the operation, although it has improved every day. Murray questioned himself whether it will improve enough for him to compete against Machac.

Andy Murray and Jamie Murray played doubles together in the Davis Cup final in 2015, when Great Britain won the tournament
Image:
Andy and Jamie Murray could play doubles together at Wimbledon

The good news is that Murray will have until Thursday to decide whether he can play men’s doubles with his brother Jamie, which would be a special occasion for him and their family – but would that be enough or the right way for Murray to bow out of Wimbledon forever?

I think the question remains in my mind because I spoke to many players over the weekend about Murray and his potential final goodbye at Wimbledon. It really is eye-opening to see them all, not just pay tribute to him, but also the hope they all have that Murray has the moment he deserves to say goodbye.

I asked seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic about his good friend Murray, who he told me was a ‘legend of the game’ but he also explained just how much it would mean for him to make it on court.

Djokovic said: “He definitely deserves a great farewell from his favourite tournament, the tournament he won twice, the place he won the Olympic games – he should finish on his own terms, we all hope he will be physically fit enough to finish on his own terms and wish him all the best.”

Caroline Wozniacki had a similar tribute for Murray, describing how few players in the history of tennis have accomplished what he has with the hope he can finish on his own accord.

Gael Monfils told me ‘he’s the man, he’s Sir Andy Murray!’ and that all the players will be supporting Murray here at Wimbledon to say goodbye.

It may be easy for many of the players to talk nicely about their fellow player but for me, it is the smiles and warmth with which they talk about Murray. I asked many of the players about their own form, Wimbledon, etc – but often their longest answers were in tribute to Murray.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Emma Raducanu relates to Murray’s injury struggles and hopes that he will be fit to play at Wimbledon

So what is the perfect goodbye?

I was initially wondering – does it need to be in front of a full Centre Court? Does it need to be in a singles tie or will the doubles with his brother be enough?

I left Wimbledon on Sunday evening feeling, well – maybe it does not matter after all.

The legacy you leave upon the thousands upon thousands of fans Murray has entertained and brought along his career at Wimbledon as well as the admiration from his peers… perhaps that is enough for someone that has cemented himself as a tennis legend.

Whether Murray is able to get on court in the singles, doubles or not at all – it feels, as I mentioned before, typical Andy Murray that he’ll be fighting every day, minute and second to see if he will be able to do so.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Find out all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours

In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.

  • Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
  • Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
  • Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
  • Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July

Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

Source link

Visited 2 times, 1 visit(s) today

Related Article

Spanish Football Federation condemns racist chanting

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has condemned anti-Muslim chants which were heard during the first half of Spain’s 0-0 draw with Egypt in Barcelona on Tuesday. At half-time, a message warning fans against xenophobic remarks and singing was displayed on the screen at the RCDE Stadium with the stadium announcer also reading out a similar

In Numbers: Jaw-dropping Courtois Stats And The Need For Lunin To Step Up (Again)

Real Madrid’s impressive round-of-16 elimination of Manchester City was not without incident following the news that Thibaut Courtois suffered a right quadriceps injury during the first half of the return leg at the Etihad.  The injury will result in what is arguably Europe’s finest goalkeeper missing 6 weeks of action, including the highly anticipated Champions

David Lynch reveals Liverpool’s summer transfer plans

Liverpool transfer plans hinge on Champions League qualification as summer looms Liverpool’s summer strategy is beginning to take shape, but uncertainty remains over how ambitious those plans can be. On the Anfield Index Media Matters podcast, Dave Davis and David Lynch outlined how qualification for the Champions League could significantly impact recruitment decisions as Arne

Ibrahima Konate willing to make Real Madrid move as he waits on Los Blancos offer

Konate has yet to resolve his future at Liverpool, and the defender’s intention is to have everything defined before the World Cup kicks off. The Frenchman has not yet renewed his deal with the Reds, and with his current contract set to expire in June, several European heavyweights have begun to circle. Among those interested

Real Madrid know Enzo Fernández’s Chelsea price-tag

The board at La Liga giants Real Madrid are aware of the kind of fee which would be required to bring Enzo Fernández to the club from Chelsea. Unfortunately for those hopeful of seeing the Argentine in Blancos colours, however, it is well out of the current reach of the Bernabéu brass. Advertisement Midfielder Enzo

Marc Cucurella highlights the ‘discouraging’ reality of BlueCo Chelsea

All is not well on the Chelsea front, that much is abundantly clear. Four defeats on the bounce, three of them by three goals. No goals scored for 300 minutes. More goals conceded than we care to count. A season that’s gone from promising, to concerning, to outright infuriating (or depressing, depending on your approach).

Barcelona to welcome 3 key players back vs Atlético Madrid

La Liga champions Barcelona expect to welcome a trio of important players back to the matchday fold for their upcoming meeting with Atlético Madrid. Hansi Flick’s Blaugrana squad is of course currently spread across all corners of the globe, for the international break. Advertisement For some, however, fitness problems meant that they were forced to stay

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy official line-ups: 2026 World Cup play-off

Italy stick with Mateo Retegui, Moise Kean and Sandro Tonali for the World Cup play-off final against Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Edin Dzeko and Ermedin Demirovic. It kicks off at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT, 20.45 CEST). Advertisement You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens

Tottenham appoint De Zerbi in battle for Premier League survival

Tottenham appointed Roberto De Zerbi as the club’s third manager of the season on Tuesday as they battle to avoid relegation from English football’s top flight for the first time in nearly 50 years. Former Brighton and Marseille boss De Zerbi has reportedly been handed a lucrative five-year deal to convince him to take the

Why Kayode is not part of the Italy squad for 2026 World Cup play-offs

Some questions were asked when Brentford right-back Michael Kayode was not included in the Italy national team squad for the crucial World Cup play-off campaign, but the Premier League ace was named as a starter for the U21s’ European Championship qualifier against Sweden on Tuesday after receiving a late call-up to Silvio Baldini’s side. Here’s

Tottenham hires De Zerbi with Spurs battling Premier League relegation

Updated March 31, 2026, 12:34 p.m. ET Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Italian Roberto De Zerbi as their manager on a long-term contract, the Premier League club said on Tuesday. Tottenham has turned to former Brighton & Hove Albion manager De Zerbi to salvage a dreadful season which is in danger of ending in relegation from

Official: Tottenham Hotspur appoint De Zerbi as head coach

Tottenham Hotspur have officially announced the appointment of Italian head coach Roberto as head coach of the men’s first team ‘on a long-term contract, subject to work permit’. De Zerbi is called in to replace former Juventus head coach Igor Tudor in North London and will be tasked with steering Tottenham clear of relegation from

Premier League Table Since Liam Rosenior Joined Chelsea

The year got off to a shocking start when Chelsea parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca and replaced him with Liam Rosenior. Allegations of a behind-the-scenes dispute between Maresca and those above him in the boardroom have sparked protests from an unimpressed fanbase, who have been on a rollercoaster of a journey since Rosenior joined.

Palermo: The Dramatic Return Of Italian Football’s Forgotten Club

Palermo, Sicily was more than just a footballing bucket list tick, it was an insight into the world of Palermo Football Club, the Serie B side writing a new chapter in their storied pink and black history, one that the club is hoping will end in a return to their former stomping ground – Serie

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x