Former world number one, Andy Murray, has announced that he will be taking a long break from the sport due to an ankle injury. The announcement came days after his loss to Tomas Machac in the third round of the Miami Open. Before his loss, Murray had to receive treatment for the ankle to enable him to complete the round.
The 36-year-old, when giving the announcement, admitted that it was a “tough one to take.” According to him, what he is facing is a full rupture of the anterior talofibular ligament and near full-thickness rupture of his calcaneofibular ligament.
This seems like the most serious injury he has had in years, and even he does not yet understand the full extent of what he is facing and would have to see a specialist for that. But in the meantime, he would be going on a long break.
This is the latest development plaguing the current world number 59 as he continues to battle to stay in form. Murray has not enjoyed a good season in quite a while as he is always facing one challenge or the other preventing him from playing as well as he would have loved.
That is why it did not come as much surprised when he announced earlier this year that he is already contemplating retirement as he does not see himself playing past summer.
The sole reason why he mentioned summer is because the two-time Olympic gold medalist is planning on representing Britain at the Paris Olympics, which starts in July, right after playing at the French Open. With the issues that he has been experiencing these past years, it would be interesting to see how he holds up at the Olympics.
However, that will depend on if he qualifies for the Olympics at all as he is currently outside the rankings of players that would be considered eligible to partake in the tournament.
Nonetheless, the three-time Grand Slam champion has an impressive record that it would not be surprising if he is giving special consideration. All of that is hinged on if is able to make a full recovery before then or if he is certified by his specialist.
Leon Osamor
