‘I just want to feel the buzz one more time’: Andy Murray’s Wimbledon hope

Andy Murray tests his fitness at Wimbledon on Sunday as he decides whether his body can withstand one more go in the men’s singles. Photograph: Javier García/REX/Shutterstock

Andy Murray says he is looking for “a bit of closure” to his career as he continues his race against time to be fit for a final appearance at Wimbledon before he retires from professional tennis.

“I don’t think there’s one thing that I’m hoping for,” said Murray during his pre-tournament press conference on Sunday. “When it comes to the end, I don’t know, maybe a bit of closure. I just want the opportunity to play one more time out there hopefully on Centre Court, and I don’t know, feel that buzz.

“Like last year, I wasn’t planning on it being my last year on the tour. I wanted to come back and play again, whereas this year I have no plans to do that. It’s coming to the end of my career and I want to have that opportunity to play here again.”

After an illustrious career that has seen him rise to No 1 and win three major titles, Murray has repeatedly said he does not intend to extend his career past this summer after waning results and numerous physical struggles. The 37-year-old has also been selected in Great Britain’s Olympic team, which is currently the final tournament he is scheduled to compete in.

Hopes of a calm, enjoyable final few months were scuppered 11 days before the start of Wimbledon when Murray underwent back surgery to remove a spinal cyst following his retirement from his second-round match at Queen’s. Although the Scot was told by one expert that he would be out for six to 12 weeks, ruling him out of Wimbledon, Murray has been determined to do everything he can to be ready to compete in singles there.

Although Murray appears to have made significant progress, time is not on his side. He says he will make a decision about his participation on Monday night, with his first-round match against Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic scheduled for Tuesday.

“It’s getting better every single day,” Murray said. “Like I said a few days ago, I want to give it every single chance that I can to get there. I’m going to play another set again tomorrow. I’m doing some physical testing in the morning to see sort of how far off I am from a physical perspective. Then I will probably make a decision tomorrow evening after that.”

Murray has also received a wildcard with his brother, Jamie, to compete in the men’s doubles draw and he appears to have a much better chance of playing and being competitive in that less physically taxing format. Still, he is desperate to compete in singles one final time. Murray has won two of his three major titles at Wimbledon; he became the first British man in 77 years to win the men’s singles in 2013 before winning his second title in 2016.

“What am I looking to get from it? Well, the opportunity to play here again,” Murray said. “For the last time. That’s kind of it. This is a place that’s obviously been really good to me over the years.”