Andy Murray was forced to retire from his second-round match against Jordan Thompson at The Queen’s Club on Wednesday.
Murray was losing 4-1 in the first set when he pulled out, having received treatment around the lower back area and hips after three games.
The 37-year-old is hoping to play at Wimbledon, which begins on July 1 for what is expected to be his last appearance at the Grand Slam.
“Never the way you want to go through, especially with a great champion like Andy. This tournament he’s dominated and he loves the grass,” said Thompson.
“I was looking forward to coming out and playing in front of everyone. A disappointing way to finish.”
Murray walked gingerly out onto the court and it quickly became clear he was not moving properly as he lost the opening two games.
He held serve but lost two more games before deciding to retire, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd as he waved to the spectators.
Murray, who only returned to action last week after two months out due to damaged ankle ligaments in late March, is set to play in singles and the men’s doubles alongside brother Jamie Murray at Wimbledon.
The Olympic Games in Paris follow with Murray named in Great Britain’s squad after the International Tennis Federation awarded him a place having won singles gold in London 2012 and Rio 2016.
Tennis at the Olympics begins on July 27, with Murray nominated to play singles and men’s doubles with Dan Evans.
He has indicated he will retire after this summer.
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