Andy Murray cops devastating injury blow as tennis future thrown into major doubt
The 36-year-old's tennis career has been plunged into further doubt after suffering an ankle injury in his loss to Tomas Machac.
Andy Murray’s tennis future has been plunged into further doubt after the 36-year-old revealed he ruptured the ATFL and CFL in his ankle during his 5-7 7-5 7-6 (7-5) loss to Tomas Machac in the round of 32 at the Miami Open. The Scot was a set up and 5-5 in the second when he pulled up sharply as he rushed towards his chair at the end of a service game.
Murray was seen clutching his left ankle as he grimaced in pain, with officials calling the physiotherapist onto the court. After lengthy treatment and having his foot strapped, Murray bravely soldiered on but eventually went down in three sets.
Scans following the match revealed the ankle injury will see him sidelined for an extended period of time and he now must face the real possibility that he has played the last game of his illustrious tennis career. In a post to Instagram on Tuesday, Murray wrote: “Yesterday towards the end of my match in Miami I suffered a full rupture of my ATFL (anterior talo-fibular ligament) and near full thickness rupture of my CFL (calcaneofibular ligament).”
“I will see an ankle specialist when I return home to determine the next steps. Goes without saying this is a tough one to take and I’ll be out for an extended period. But I’ll be back with one hip and no ankle ligaments when the time is right.” His caption was accompanied by a ‘winking’ emoji, to tease fans who continue to speculate when he will retire.
The development comes just hours after Murray said he is “looking forward to the end” after his painful defeat to Machac in Miami. Speaking after the loss, Murray admitted it was most likely his last match in Miami. “I wasn’t thinking about all the matches I played,” he said. “Just more that that’s the last match that I am going play here which is sad because I love it here. I’ve spent so much of my tennis career here and I would have liked it to have gone on a little bit longer.
“This tournament is an important one for me so it was a bit more emotional leaving the court. I am looking forward to the end now, give my best the next few months and get to be at home with my family.”
In the previous round, Murray snapped a nine-match losing streak against top 50 players, beating 29th-ranked Tomas Martín Etcheverry 7-6 (7-0) 6-3. Following the win he said his body is feeling the effects of his long tennis career .”My body feels that,” Murray said.
“It feels like I’ve played a thousand. I’ve obviously been on the tour a long time. My first matches on tour were just as I turned 18 years old … It’s been a long career but an amazing career.” And after the latest injury setback, fans are fearing they have seen the last of Murray on the tennis court.
Andy Murray has been an amazing competitor & a fantastic ambassador for British sport, but he needs to accept that he can continue being a British sporting icon in a way other than playing. Phenomenal bravery & determination isn’t always enough at the highest levels in sport.
— Wilfred Martin (@wilfmartin72) March 25, 2024
You’ve got to respect the fact he’s just refusing to give in but surely it’s time he listens to his body and calls it a day.
— Tom (@TC_UTD) March 25, 2024
This is so sad. Why can’t he be able to finish on his own terms, without further injury. Looked proper nasty that last night. Put your feet up for a while Muzza. You’ve well and truly earned it. But I for one would like to see you back fighting fit.
— Karen Morgan (@simplykaz) March 25, 2024
Thank you for all matches enjoy your retirement
— francine lacombe (@FrancineLacombe) March 25, 2024
Poor Andy.Why on earth is he putting his body through this.Just let it go and enjoy your life.
— Ann Miles (@AnnMile71721158) March 25, 2024
Andy Murray to retire after the summer
The Scotsman has previously stated that he plans to bring the curtain down on his illustrious tennis career this summer and last week again expressed his frustration at repeatedly being asked about it amid recent struggles on the court. The 36-year-old has said he will not play beyond this summer, but whether that means he will hang up his racquet for good after Wimbledon, the Paris Olympics or if that date will now be pushed back following the latest setback is unknown.
“I feel like no one is listening to me,” Murray told reporters following his win over Etcheverry at the Miami Open. I’m planning on finishing in the summer. I don’t know what more I’m supposed to say. I’ve been getting asked about it for 18 months or so, and it’s obviously something I have thought about, but, you know, I hadn’t made a decision on.
