Andy Murray Pulls Out of Wimbledon 2007

Yesterday afternoon, Andy Murray released a statement to the effect that he was not 100% fit and so would not be taking part in the Wimbledon event that begins today.

On June 4th, I predicted that Murray would be watching rather than playing and, although the last few days had given everyone hope, that opinion proved to be the correct one.

Disappointing to say the least, but worse for Murray who had a real chance of reaching the Qtr-Finals or even the Semi-Finals in a Grand Slam for the first time. After Murray's previous record of trying to play injured, I really had started to think that, having got this close to the opening day, he would at least give it a try.

But, pleasingly, it looks like Murray has learned from previous experience and is unwillingly to risk further injury to his wrist; such a crucial part of the body for a tennis player.

In his statement, Murray said,

"The doctor has advised me not to play and that I probably need about ten days to be ready. Unfortunately, I don’t think it is going to rain for the next ten days."

So, looking ahead, Murray may be ready to defend his semi-final appearance at Newport in about two weeks time. He will however lose the 150 ranking points he earned at Wimbledon 2006. As things stand, that would move Murray back down to 13th place, depending - of course - on whether the players below him succesfully defend their Wimbledon ranking points.

Looking on the bright side, there is far less chance of any long term injury to Murray's wrist and, hey, Wimbledon will begin today anyway, even without GB's star player. We can look forward to hours of...

Solid rain until Thursday...

Source:
AndyMurray.com - Breaking news: Andy pulls out…
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Injured Murray out of Wimbledon
BBC - Weather Centre - 5 Day Forecast for Wimbledon