Andy Murray has to forgo £2.7m payday that would've boosted already huge net worth

Tennis star Andy Murray has forfeited a potential prize of £2.7million by withdrawing from the Wimbledon singles draw.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that the two-time Wimbledon champion had lost his race for fitness ahead of his Wimbledon bow. Murray's team released a statement expressing his "extreme disappointment" at the setback, especially as this could be his last time competing at SW19.

The 37-year-old - who underwent back surgery less than two weeks ago - will still participate in the doubles with his brother, Jamie. However, that doesn't offer nearly the same bank account-boosting properties as the singles competition. By pulling out of the singles draw, the Scot has missed the chance to pocket a hefty seven-figure sum. However, with a reported net worth of around £79m, it's hardly a hammerblow as far as his finances are concerned.

Murray was scheduled to play against Tomas Machac in the first round on Centre Court. Following the announcement, the Czech competitor has been given a bye into the next round of the competition.

The prize money at Wimbledon increases with each round, starting from £60,000 just for reaching the opening stage. By contrast, competing in the first round of the doubles competition will net him and brother Jamie a combined £15.750.

Now, Murray's focus shifts to his opening men's doubles match against Austrian pair Alexander Erler and Lucas Miedler. If the Murray brothers manage to lift a title together at Wimbledon together this year, they will share a prize of £650,000.

This year marks the first time the Murray brothers will be teaming up at Wimbledon. Jamie, 38, has achieved huge success in the format and clinched both the Australian Open and US Open in 2016, not to mention reaching the Wimbledon final the previous year.

Speculation is rife that Andy may call time on his career after the tournament, especially considering his recent fitness struggles. The Glasgow-born star has hinted at plans to retire this year, though he may yet compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics first.

Repeat injuries have forced Murray to sit out 11 Grand Slam tournaments over the past seven years, but he hasn't managed to progress past the third round in the 14 he's participated in over that same span. Earlier this year, he was eliminated from both the Australian and French Opens in the first round, hoping his return to SW19 doesn't yield the same fate.