Novak Djokovic recorded a first-round win over Vit Kopriva on Tuesday (Picture: Getty)
Novak Djokovic ‘hopes’ Andy Murray will return to play Wimbledon in 2025 after a back injury forced him out of the 2024 men’s singles tournament.
Murray was due to face Tomas Machac in the first round on Tuesday but pulled out on the morning of the match after failing to recover from recent surgery.
The 37-year-old British legend is nearing retirement and it is thought that he will hang up his racket after the Olympic Games in Paris later this summer.
Djokovic, though, who overcame his own injury issues and surgery to play at Wimbledon, is keen to see his old rival make a U-turn and come back next year.
Speaking after he recorded a 6-1 6-2 6-2 victory over Vit Kopriva in his opening singles match on Tuesday, the Serbian said on Centre Court: ‘Andy Murray withdrawing is a great blow to the tournament.
‘Great respect to him. All he’s done in this tournament… In this sport. I hope he’ll be able to finish his career on his terms.
‘I heard he’s going to play doubles. Hopefully he’ll give it another shot next year in singles.
Andy Murray is nearing his retirement from professional tennis (Picture: Getty)
‘I just send him my best… it’s worth acknowledging all these athletes that are struggling.’
Speaking earlier this week, Djokovic told Sky Sports: ‘He definitely deserves a great farewell from his favourite tournament, a tournament he won twice.
‘And, you know, he won the Olympic Games here. He’s definitely a legend of our sport.’
Novak Djokovic will next face British star
Novak Djokovic will play British player Jacob Fearnley in the second round at Wimbledon 2024.
The 22-year-old from Edinburgh, ranked world No.277, beat world No.188 Alejandro Moro Canas 7-5 6-4 7-6 (14-12) to win his opening match.
Djokovic endured a frosty reception at last year’s Wimbledon final but received a standing ovation on Centre Court as the 2023 runner-up made his entrance on Tuesday.
He is hoping to clinch his eighth Wimbledon men’s singles title – which would also be a historic 25th Grand Slam trophy to move him level with Margaret Court.
‘I love Wimbledon,’ Djokovic, who has faced ‘unfair’ treatment in SW19 according to John McEnroe, added. ‘I love coming back here.’