Novak Djokovic: 'Andy Murray withdrawing is great blow to tournament' after Brit pulls out of Wimbledon singles - Eurosport (2024)

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Novak Djokovic has said that Andy Murray having to pull out of the singles draw at Wimbledon is a "great blow to the tournament" after the Serb's opening victory on Centre Court.

Hopes of a potential final singles farewell for Murray at the All England Club were dashed after it was announced that the two-time champion would not be fit enough to take on Tomas Machac in their first-round encounter on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old underwent back surgery recently and, despite a desperate bid to regain sufficient fitness in time, he will only take part in the doubles alongside his brother Jamie.

Djokovic, who demonstrated his own post-surgery fitness in an impressive opening victory over Vit Kopriva, gave his personal reaction to Murray's withdrawal from the singles draw while empathising with his physical struggles.

"It's tough, you feel helpless that something is not allowing you to do what you love the most," Djokovic said in his on-court interview.

"Andy Murray withdrawing is a great blow to the tournament, it's unfortunate. Great respect to him for what he has done in this tournament and this sport.

"I just hope he will be able to finish his career on his terms. I send him my best and to anybody out there really struggling with injuries, I think it is worth acknowledging all these athletes who are struggling."

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Turning his attention to his own recovery from surgery and his superb opening showing, he expressed his relief at coming through the early test.

"Obviously, coming into Wimbledon for me this year was very different because of the knee," he said. "I'm just really glad with how I played and how I felt on the court.

"I didn't know how everything was going to unfold on the court. I'm extremely glad with the way I felt and the way I played today. Thank you all for coming out and supporting.

"I tried to really focus on the game and not think about the knee too much. Everything that I could do, I have done over the last three weeks along with my team to be able to play here for you today.

"I think if it was for any other tournament I probably would not have risked it, would not have rushed as much but I just love Wimbledon, love coming back here.

"I want to thank my surgeon again for doing a great job. Things would be a bit complicated [without the successful surgery] to be able to play on the highest level and avoid major injuries has been good. I've been fortunate to not be away from tennis for so long."

Djokovic, who is also desperate to be victorious at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, was not expected to even arrive at Wimbledon after he had to pull out of the French Open with a knee injury ahead of the quarter-finals.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion will next take on either British wild card Jacob Fearnley in the second round.

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