Andy Murray will undergo back surgery on Saturday after picking up the injury at Queens Club.
The Scot struggled from the start of his second-round match against Australia’s Jordan Thompson on Wednesday and retired after just five games, putting his entry into this year’s Wimbledon in serious doubt.
The two-time former champion is hoping to make a farewell appearance at SW19 and that has not yet been ruled out despite Murray going under the knife just over a week before the tournament.
A statement from Murray’s management said: “Andy will have a back procedure tomorrow. We’ll know more once that happens and will update further as soon as possible.”
Murray described feeling weak in his right leg and losing coordination during the match against Thompson. He sought treatment on the court after three games, but soon decided he could not continue. The 37-year-old only returned to action five weeks ago after nearly two months out with an ankle injury.
On his chances of competing at Wimbledon, Murray said: “Like all tennis players, we have degenerative joints and things in the back, but it’s all been predominantly left-handed for me throughout my career.
“I’ve never had too much trouble with the right side,” he added. “So maybe there’s something that can be done between now and then to help the right side.”
This is not the first time Murray has had a back problem in his career. He underwent surgery in 2013 and last month revealed he would need treatment to deal with the pain following his first-round loss to Stan Wawrinka at the French Open.
Murray is due to play singles and doubles with his brother Jamie at Wimbledon before possibly ending his career at the Paris Olympics, but all those plans are now in doubt.
