By Jamie Bullen
Published: 08:16 BST, 2 July 2024 | Updated: 13:46 BST, 2 July 2024
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Sir Andy Murray has withdrawn from the singles at Wimbledon but will be playing doubles with his brother Jamie, his team have announced.
The two-time former champion was one of 12 British players scheduled for singles action today after Emma Raducanu, Lily Mayazaki and Sonay Kartal passed through to the second round on Monday.
But Murray will now concentrate on doubles instead in a move his representatives said left him ‘extremely disappointed’.
Follow live coverage of the second day of Wimbledon and join in the conversation in our comments section
Pictured: Dave Grohl takes his seat in the Royal Box
Yesterday it was the popular British figures of Sir David Attenborough and David Beckham in the Royal Box but today it’s American rocker Dave Grohl who will have the best seat overlooking Centre Court.
The Foo Fighters frontman will be seated near ex-Formula One world champion Sir Jackie Stewart and former England rugby captain Sir Bill Beaumont.
Should be some interesting conversations during breaks of play.
Breaking:Harriet Dart into second round
Britain’s Harriet Dart has beaten Bai Zhuoxuan 6-4 6-0 in the first round at Wimbledon.
Dart was the first British winner on day two of this year’s Wimbledon after she produced an accomplished display to beat Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan in straight-sets.
First up on Court 18, Dart had to be patient against the world number 95 and navigated an hour’s rain delay before she claimed a 6-4 6-0 win.
It could set up a second-round tie with compatriot and familiar foe Katie Boulter, who is set to face Tatjana Maria later on Tuesday.
Tim Henman – Murray leaves British tennis in ‘very good shape’
Former British number one Tim Henman has told the BBC that Andy Murray has helped to put British tennis in ‘very good shape’ following the news he will no longer play a singles match at Wimbledon
Speaking to the BBC, Henman said:
He’s certainly raised the bar. I think that’s where he has been so influential and it’s been so important to be that role model for all the younger players in both the men’s and the women’s.
Records are there to be broken and you look at the 12 Brits playing today and so many more in the draw and in qualifying, I think British tennis is in very good shape and I think a large part of that is to do with Andy Murray.
Lady Amelia Spencer joins crowds at Wimbledon
Lady Amelia Spencer and her sister Eliza are the latest celebrities to be spotted at Wimbledon.
Comedian John Bishop was also seen among the crowds in SW19.
Pictures: Rain stops play
Here are the latest pictures from Wimbledon where the covers are on as spectators huddle under umbrellas.
Play has been suspended on outside court after rain in SW19 already bereft by the forced withdrawl of Andy Murray earlier this morning.
Wimbledon washout?
Some matches are under way but rain has forced play to be suspended while the covers are brought on.
As a result there will no play on the outside courts until 1pm at the earliest.
The view from Murray Mound: ‘It’s sad but he’s had an incredible run’
Mail Sport journalist Heather Dewar has spoken to fans on Murray Mound, also known as Henman Hill, about the former Wimbledon champion’s absence from the tournament this year after he pulled out just hours before he was scheduled to play on Centre Court.
Here’s what they had to say:
We were very excited to see him and were very hopeful when we saw the draw. This morning when we found out he wasn’t going to make it, it was very much an, “ok, disappointed, but maybe a sensible idea”.
I think there’s nothing worse than seeing an injured player injuring themselves further or playing in pain. I would not want that. I think it’s much better he reserves himself and hopefully we get to see him playing with his brother later on.
This is my fourth time at Wimbledon, I haven’t decided who I’m rooting for. It was Andy Murray.
It’s sad but he’d had such an incredible run. He has done Britain and tennis in the UK proud. He has grown it, he’s an incredible ambassador for the sport, for both men and women and if it saves his body for the doubles and we get to see him playing with his brother for one last time, what better way to bow out with your family? I think it’ s incredible and we’re going to have an amazing day here, but he’s an incredible ambassador and you can’t fault him.
We would have loved to have seen him at Wimbledon, but you also get to see some amazing other players on centre court, and we can’t ask for much more. It’s a great day out – it’s quintessentially British and here’s to a cracking day. We’ve taken the day off work to be here.
I would love Emma Raducanu to win the women’s. Obviously if Djokovic wins its record-breaking, Alcaraz is incredible and a real force. I’ll see how the tournament goes on, but either of those two would be awesome.
Heather also spoke to fans in the Queue when the news broke.
I really admire Andy Murray – he was unfortunate to be among the ‘big thing’. I would have liked to have seen him play.
I enjoy watching Andy Murray, I’m disappointed not to be seeing him- this is his home court. I hope he does well in the doubles, and I’ll be rooting for him.
Famous faces at Wimbledon: Who’s arrived on the second day?
Rocker Dave Grohl joins Wimbledon crowds
Wimbledon has gone rock n roll today as Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl joined crowds in SW19.
The former Nirvana rocker, who recently finished a UK tour last month, is among celebrities on the second day of the championships.
Pictured: Andy Murray at Wimbledon after pulling out
Here are the latest pictures of Andy Murray who was seen departing Wimbledon after pulling out of the singles competition earlier today.
Day 2 at Wimbledon: What has happened this morning?
The second morning at Wimbledon has been dominated by the news that Andy Murray has ended his Wimbledon singles career by pulling out of his match on Centre Court with Czech player Tomas Machac.
The two-time former champion has been battling to recover from back surgery last weekend but has run out of time despite planning to practice at 1pm.
Here’s what you need to know:
Andy Murray’s team released a statement 45 minutes before the start of play to say he had withdrawn from the competition.The former Wimbledon champion is said to be ‘extremely disappointed’ by the decision but will play with his brother Jamie in the doubles. The news came as a blow to fans who had queued for more than two hours outside the All England Club on Tuesday morning.Rising British tennis star Jack Draper will take Murray’s slot on Centre Court this afternoonDraper is one of 11 British players hoping to progress to the second round along with female players Emma Raducanu, Lily Mayazaki and Sonay Kartal
Stick with us as we bring you updates from the All England Club this afternoon.
Buddhist temple backing Djokovic
Mail Sport reporter Isaan Khan reports the Buddhist temple Novak Djokovic has previously used as his Wimbledon refuge is willing on their ‘friend’ to triumph at the championships this year — and have their doors open for the star.
The Buddhapadipa Temple, on a leafy suburban street just minutes from the All England Club grounds, has been frequented by the reigning champion in previous years.
Djokovic, an Orthodox Christian, once stayed next door to the temple and spent up to an hour a day using its four-acre grounds for meditation and to improve his focus.
Venerable Piyobhaso, minster of religion at Buddhapdipa, tells Mail Sport:
Many years ago he came to stay next door to the temple and every morning he meditated at the temple,’
He preferred to come in the morning, from 30 minutes up to an hour. Sometimes he spent an hour beside the lake. He became friends with some members.
Novak is a very friendly person. He always smiled and didn’t mind having photos with the temple members. He said that meditation helps with his tennis.
Djokovic, who has won 24 major championships, has made it to Wimbledon after a rapid recovery from knee surgery and is one of the tournament favourites.
In pictures: Andy Murray at Wimbledon
MailSport’s Ryan Walker reports tennis fans have been left distraught as Andy Murray’s men’s single career at Wimbledon was brought to a crushing end today without him even hitting a ball.
The two-time Wimbledon champion made the ‘very difficult’ decision to withdraw from his first-round tie against Tomas Machac after confirming he had been unable to recover from an injury in time.
Play starts on Wimbledon day two
While Andy Murray won’t play today there are plenty of players who will step out on court with action under way on the second day of the Wimbledon Championships.
We will bring you all the latest updates, reaction and pictures from SW19.
Here are the latest pictures from inside the All England Club.
Pictured: Murray’s name removed from order of play
These pictures show Andy Murray’s name being removed from the order of play board at Wimbledon following this morning’s announcement.
The decision will come as a massive blow to fans who had hoped to watch Murray take to Centre Court this afternoon.
Wimbledon pays tribute to Andy Murray
The official Wimbledon account has paid tribute to former champion Andy Murray who announced he will not play another singles match at the Grand Slam.
Murray will still partner Jamie in the doubles contest.
Breaking:Jack Draper elevated to Centre Court
Rising British tennis star Jack Draper appears to have been elevated to Centre Court following Murray’s decision to pull out of Wimbledon.
Draper was originally scheduled to play on Court 2 for his match with Sweden’s Elias Ymer.
Stan Wawrinka – Murray has been ‘amazing champion’
Former US Open champion Stan Wawrinka said Murray will be remembered as an ‘amazing champion’ who ‘pushed everybody’.
Speaking yesterday, the former three-time Grand Slam winner was asked what Murray’s legacy would be when he left the sport.
It’s been more than 20 years. Of course there are many. The first time with the roof closed here was something special to play here against him at home. He’s been an amazing champion.
He pushed everybody. He won everything in the sport that you can win. He’s been #1. He’s been an example for many players. He’s a great guy. We’re good friends.
As I’ve said, it’s been more than 20 years. We spent so much time together on court, during practice… just tons of time together. We always had a good relationship.
Murray’s last dance was Wimbledon epic
MailSport reporter Matthew Lambert notes Murray’s decision to pull out of the singles this year means his last match at Wimbledon will be remembered as a five-set epic, which became a hallmark of his career.
Murray’s Wimbledon run came to an end in the second round on July 6 last year after he lost against then fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.
‘Totally gutted’: Social media reaction to Murray’s withdrawal
Tennis fans on social media are reacting to the disappointing news that Andy Murray has played his last singles match at Wimbledon after pulling out of this year’s Championships just hours before he was due on Centre Court.
Here are just some comments on social media reacting to the news:
Andy Murray’s dream of a Wimbledon swansong is in ruins following his withdrawal from his first round match on Centre Court today.
The 37-year-old had surgery to remove a cyst from his spine on Saturday and there were reports on Sunday morning that the operation had ruled him out of Wimbledon.
The Scot has been plagued with injuries throughout his career and, since 2019, has been on the precipice of retirement due to the physical battles he’s endured.
MailSport has produced this timeline dating the former champion’s struggles:
Andy Murray has played his last singles match at Wimbledon, after the two time champion this morning took the ‘very difficult’ decision to withdraw from his first round.
The two-time former champion has been battling to recover from back surgery last weekend but has run out of time, with his first-round clash against Tomas Machac scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
A statement from the 37-year-old’s team read: ‘Unfortunately, despite working incredibly hard on his recovery since his operation just over a week ago, Andy has taken the very difficult decision not to play the singles this year.
‘As you can imagine, he is extremely disappointed but has confirmed that he will be playing in the doubles with Jamie and looks forward to competing at Wimbledon for the last time.’
Read Matthew Lambert’s report here:
Breaking:Andy Murray withdraws from Wimbledon singles
Andy Murray has withdrawn from the singles competition at this year’s Wimbledon.
In a statement, his representatives said:
Unfortunately, despite working incredibly hard on his recovery since his operation just over a week ago, Andy has taken the very difficult decision not to play the singles this year. As you can imagine, he is extremely disappointed but has confirmed that he will be playing in the doubles with Jamie.
Crowds build with play an hour away
The first tennis matches on day two of Wimbledon are now less than an hour away as crowds continue to build outside the All England Club.
Here are the latest pictures we can bring you:
MailOnline’s Arthur Parashar reports British tennis star Katie Boulter and her Australian boyfriend Alex de Minaur once hid their relationship by eating breakfast on separate tables.
But four years after their romance started over a 6am cup of coffee, Boulter and de Minaur are the power couple of world tennis who will both be bidding for Wimbledon glory when the clocks strikes 11am in SW19 today.
The lovebirds will be supporting one another before and after their respective games, but a last-minute switch in the schedule has left them unable to watch each other as they are playing at the exact same time.
Read Arthur’s report here:
Celeb spotting: Who was at Wimbledon yesterday?
MailOnline’s Showbiz team reported on several celebrities turning up at the All England Club for the first day of Wimbledon.
London-born actress Poppy Delevingne, 38, stunned in a chic cream ensemble as she attended alongside her dad Charles – after debuting her romance with Archie Keswick at BST Hyde Park on Saturday.
TV presenter Alison Hammond, 49, looked effortlessly stylish on Monday as she strutted down the concourse in a polka dot dress.
While actress and TV presenter Jameela Jamil and her boyfriend James Blake looked happier than ever as they enjoyed a loved-up date on day one of the Championships – just hours after James’ Glastonbury headline set on the Woodsies stage on Sunday evening.
We will bring you any celeb sightings we spot on day two.
Breaking:Andy Murray to practice at 1pm
Sir Andy Murray is listed to practice at Wimbledon at 1pm as fans wait to see if he will play on Centre Court this afternoon.
We will bring you the latest developments as we get them.
Watch: British player to ‘live his dream’ as he arrives for Grand Slam debut
This is the moment British tennis player Billy Harris arrived at the All England Club this morning as he makes his Grand Slam debut at the age of 29.
Harris spent many of his as he trawled round Europe and in 2022 was ranked outside the world top 400.
Before Queen’s he had earnt £232,000. Since then he has made £144,000 — and with £60,000 at least to come from Wimbledon, he is close to earning more in a month than in nine years.
New balls please!
These are the tennis balls that will be used during play on day two of the Wimbledon Championships.
All balls as well as posts and nets are supplied by the Dunlop Slazenger Group.
During matches, used balls are replaced by new ones after the first seven games and subsequently the conclusion of every ninth game between players.
MailSport reporter Tamara Prenn revealed a glass of Pimms at Wimbledon this year will set cost tennis fans close to £10 after food and drink prices were hiked before the tournament.
For those looking to quench their thirst, a pint of beer – tournament sponsor Stella Artois likely the favoured choice of the fortnight – will set fans back £8.50, in a nearly-£1 increase from last year’s comparatively reasonable £7.55.
Read Tamara’s report here:
Watch: Sir David Attenborough receives ovation in Royal Box
There was a lovely moment in the Royal Box yesterday as spectators applauded Sir David Attenborough as he made his way to his seat.
The 98-year-old broadcaster and naturalist made his way past David Beckham and an array of other celebrities in the box overlooking Centre Court.
Chilly start for fans as queues build on Day 2
Wimbledon fans have wrapped up warm with umbrellas ready as they joined the queues outside the All England Club on Tuesday.
MailOnline reporters Olivia Christie and Mark Duell report Emma Raducanu joked she was inspired by England’s ‘ugly’ win over Slovakia in the Euros following her victory over Renata Zarazua in her opening match
The British ace defeated the World No 98 from Mexico 7-6 6-3 as Three Lions legend David Beckham watched on from the Royal Box.
It was the 21-year-old’s first match back at the Championships since her injury-forced absence 12 months ago so her main goal was undoubtedly just to make it over the line.
Read Olivia and Mark’s report here:
In pictures: Snapshot of day one at Wimbledon
Our Showbiz reporter Rebecca Lawrence reports Katherine Jenkins was reunited with David Beckham at Wimbledon on Monday, seven years after their OBE drama.
The singer, 44, looked stylish as she joined husband Andrew Levitas at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in south-west London before settling into her seat in the Royal Box.
For the outing, she was placed directly behind the former England footballer but the pair were not pictured interacting.
Read Rebecca’s report here:
Order of play
Let’s take a look at the action on the court today with 12 Brits in action hoping to join Emma Raducanu, Lily Mayazaki and Sonay Kartal in the second round.
Centre Court from 1.30pm:
Marketa Vondrousova (6) v Jessica Bouzas ManeiroNovak Djokovic (2) v Vit KoprivaAndy Murray v Tomas Machac
Elena Rybakina (4) v Elena-Gabriela RuseAlexander Zverev (4) v Roberto Carballes BaenaIga Swiatek (1) v Sofia Kenin
Jack Draper (pictured) (28) v Elias Ymer Katie Boulter (32) v Tatjana Maria Cameron Norrie v Facundo Diaz Acosta Dan Evans v Alejandro Tabilo (24)Harriet Dart v Zhuoxuan Bai Jacob Fearnley v Alejandro Moro Canas Paul Jubb v Thiago Seyboth WildBilly Harris v Jaume MunarHenry Searle v Marcos GironFrancesca Jones v Petra MartićJan Choinski v Luciano Darderi
Mark Duell reports Wimbledon fans are set for an emotional day should Sir Andy Murray declare himself fit for one last campaign at the All England Club.
The two-time former champion, who will give himself until the last minute to decide if he is able to play, is one of 12 Britons scheduled for singles action today.
Defending women’s champion Marketa Vondrousova will open play on Centre Court while seven-time winner Novak Djokovic begins his bid to reclaim the men’s title.
Good morning!
Hello and welcome to MailOnline’s live coverage as we serve up updates, reaction and pictures from the second day of the Wimbledon Championships.
One of the highlights of the British summer, the tournament got off to a star-studded start on Monday with ex-England football captain David Beckham, esteemed naturalist Sir David Attenborough and singer Katherine Jenkins seated in the Royal Box overlooking Centre Court.
On the court, Wimbledon fans will be hoping to get a glimpse of Sir Andy Murray who will decide whether he is fit enough to play his first round singles match against Tomas Machac.
Stick with our coverage as we bring you all the glitz, glamour and goings on at the All England Club.
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