Murray withdraws from Queen’s with injury as Wimbledon prep takes hit

Andy Murray has withdrawn from the Queen’s Club Championships due to an abdominal injury, leaving his Wimbledon participation in doubt.

The former world number one made a great start to the grass-court season, reaching the Stuttgart Open final before falling to Matteo Berrettini.

Murray experienced discomfort during that showpiece in Germany, twice requiring medical timeouts as he battled the pain against the Italian.

The three-time grand slam winner Murray is a five-time Queen’s champion but has had to pull out of the tournament, just two weeks before Wimbledon starts.

“After having a scan this afternoon, an abdominal injury means I won’t be fit to compete at Queen’s this year,” Murray said in a statement.

“The tournament means a lot to me, and it’s disappointing not to compete, especially after playing some good matches on the grass already.”

The Scot was scheduled to play Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in the first round, but has been replaced by lucky loser Denis Kudla.