Andy Murray opens up on Wimbledon singles decision and why it was the right call NOT to play

Andy Murray has opened up on his decision to NOT play singles at Wimbledon - as all focus now turns to teaming up with brother Jamie in the doubles.

The Scot gave himself until the final minute to make a decision ahead of his scheduled first round match against Tomas Machac. He was back on the court testing his injury after overcoming a spinal cyst removal just ten days ago. But after sleeping on things and speaking to his team and family the 37-year-old opted against playing as he detailed his reasons why.

It was a disappointing outcome for the tennis fans and Murray himself - but he will get an on-court swansong having confirmed he WILL play in the doubles. He practiced with his brother on Tuesday afternoon, with Murray opening up on his singles call. He explained: "I decided this morning. I slept on it, I told my team and my family that I didn't think I was going to play just based on how I felt yesterday. I practised pretty well and I was playing pretty good, I just wasn't happy with how my leg was feeling and I wanted to sleep on it and make sure I was happy with the decision.

"I ran around at home a bit this morning when I got up and it just wasn't where I wanted it to be unfortunately. It's probably a few days too soon. But I worked extremely hard to at least give myself a chance to play.

"It was the right decision. It is extremely disappointing that I wasn't able to play but, at the same time, where I'm at, 10 days after the operation in comparison to where I was told I would be and what my expectations were is incredible really. I obviously practised with my brother today and I look forward to playing the doubles.

"I'm disappointed, I wanted to play in the tournament. I wanted to have a chance to go out there and walk out on my own on the Centre Court again and give it another go.

"But I also was only going to do that if I felt like I could be competitive, and I didn't feel like that today. I'm sorry for everyone that came and wanted to support and watch again. I wanted that moment as well, as much for me as the people who have supported me over the years.

"The fans but also my closest friends, family, my team. It was important for me to do that with them as well. It's one of those things. The timing was horrible, the surgery was a complex one and it wasn't to be."

The Murray brothers are likely to play their first-round doubles match against Australians Rinky Hijikata and John Peers on Thursday. "Getting the opportunity to play with Jamie here will be special," said Murray. "We've never done that before and I'll make sure I make the most of it.

"It's easier said than done to just enjoy it when you're out there because you're competing and concentrating trying to win the match but hopefully we can have a good run. We've got a good chance of winning. Me and Jamie play great doubles together. We can definitely win the match."

Murray is planning for the final singles matches of his career to come at the Paris Olympics this summer in what will be his last tournament, but that depends on how his body continues to recover. He added: "I'll see how I feel. I still don't know exactly how this is going to recover. It's felt much better most days but I still don't have the total feeling and normality back in my leg yet.

"I hope that continues every day to get better but there's no guarantees with that. These sorts of injuries, people don't always get the full function back. My hope is that is does and then I'll have to make a call based on how the next few weeks go."