ANDY MURRAY has been forced to retire from his Queens clash with Jordan Thompson due to injury.
And fans are concerned that his injury could rule him out of his final Wimbledon appearance.
GettyAndy Murray has retired hurt from Queens[/caption]
ReutersThe star received treatment early into his match against Jordan Thompson[/caption]
AFPHe waved goodbye to the crowd as he walked off the court[/caption]
Murray’s wife, Kim, applauded as he left the grass
Murray had to forfeit his last-16 clash with the Australian after receiving treatment on the court for an injury.
The Scot looked as if he tried his best to continue playing but was seen grimacing in his chair as he dealt with the pain.
The 37-year-old has gone down in the fourth game of the first set with a lower back injury, forcing the umpire to stop the match for a medical timeout.
And after a short period of treatment, Murray was able to return to the court and continue.
However, his injury meant he could only maintain his efforts for two more games before it all got too much and he was forced to retire.
Once his early exit was announced the crowd rose to their feet to applaud the five-time champion as he made his way off the court.
The injury raises concerns over whether Murray is able to play at Wimbledon with the tournament getting underway in just 12 days.
While a long-term injury could also see him miss out on the Olympic Games with the Brit announced as a part of Team GB’s ensemble for Paris earlier this week.
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However the Olympic tennis isn’t due to begin until July 27, meaning it’s unlikely he will miss out on a bid for a third gold medal.
His exit could have been with the two upcoming tournaments in mind as he aims to prevent worsening his injury.
Murray announced earlier this year that he intends to bring his superb career to an end this summer.
And fans are worried that an injury could mean he has played in his final Wimbledon if he is forced out of the iconic competition next month.
On social media, on fan wrote: “Sad to see Andy Murray in that way before he makes the decision to retire against Jordan Thompson. Fingers crossed he can get himself right for a Wimbledon farewell.”
While another added: “Crying buckets. Such a very very sad way for Queens to end for Murray. What a man and what an absolute legend. We all love you Andy. Praying you’re ok for Wimbledon!”
And a third commented: “Just sat down to watch Andy Murray and boom he’s injured. Hopefully he’ll still be at Wimbledon and the Olympics.”
Speaking after Murray’s injury exit, opponent Thompson told the BBC: “That’s never the way you want to win.
“He’s a great champion and it’s disappointing to see him hurt.”
Thompson will now advance to the quarter-finals on Friday.
PAJordan Thompson said it was ‘disappointing’ to see Murray hurt[/caption]