Andy Murray has declared his willingness to take on the risks to compete at Wimbledon one final time.
However, the former champion has stopped short of guaranteeing a singles appearance, as he awaits the outcome of a pivotal practice session on Saturday.
The Dunblane-born hero took to the hallowed grounds of the All England Club's Aorangi Park courts, just a week after undergoing surgery to remove a spinal cyst.
While his reaction thereafter was somewhat subdued, the tenacious Scot remains hopeful of taking the court on Tuesday to face off against Czech challenger Tomas Machac.
"Whether there’s enough time or not, I don’t know, but I’m trying,” Murray told reporters.
“I need to be able to move properly, which I can’t yet, so let’s see in 48 hours or so. There’s risks associated with what I’m trying to do and I’m willing to take that to try and play.”
The former world number one is planning for Wimbledon, where he is also set to feature in doubles with his brother Jamie, as well as the Olympics, to be the final tournaments of his illustrious career.
Young sensation Emma Raducanu, the former US Open champion, expressed no surprise at Murray's determination to push the limits of his recovery, stating, "I think for a tournament like Wimbledon, especially, you'll push your body, you'll push your recovery to the maximum. You'll take the consequences that will come after or during, whatever you have to do."
Raducanu added, "I'm very happy to see him here because, when I think of Wimbledon, I think of Andy. Growing up, that was the generation, the hero, I would look up to. I think it just feels right and I really hope that Tuesday or whenever he's playing that he's on the match court."
The nation's eyes will be firmly fixed on the courageous Scot as he battles to defy the odds and grace the hallowed turf of the All England Club one final time, in a true testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering determination.
