Wimbledon chiefs ready to find loophole to help Andy Murray play one final Grand Slam

All England Club chairman Philip Brook admitted that no discussion have taken place as of yet and there are fixed rules in place determining how the committee decides who to award places to for players who have not got a sufficiently high ranking.

“There have been no discussion with him as yet,” he said. “It is too soon to know the answer to that one. Should he wish to apply for a wild card, he would do so in the normal way and we have a regular scheduled meeting on June 18 ahead of the championships in order to decide which players receive wildcards.

“We have a process which applies to all players competing in the championships and that is the process I expect us to follow.”

However, with the draw not due to take place until 10 days later, chief executive Richard Lewis hinted that special consideration could be given to the 2013 and 2016 singles champion.

“We have had instances in the past,” he said. “I think a few years ago we had a player who was nursing an injury and was not certain they would be fit.

“If Andy came forward with a strong case, I am sure we would work with him.”

Murray could still use the protected ranking rules to guarantee him a place at the tournament, which starts on July 1. However, the committee are entirely happy for him instead to take up one of the wild card spots if he prefers.

“It is in Andy’s gift as to what he decides to do,” Lewis added.

Murray underwent surgery after the Australian Open in a bid to correct an injury that has blighted his last few years.

Speaking earlier this year he admitted he could retire from the sport but was hoping for one final appearance at Wimbledon before hanging up his racket, however the surgery has put that in doubt.

Murray started the London Marathon this weekend and delivered the latest update on his fitness saying: “It’s really good actually, no pain anymore.

“I’m just a bit weak from where I got cut down the side of my leg for the operation. I’m doing well, happy and pain free, enjoying my life.

“I’ve been hitting a few balls from a stationary position but I’m still quite a long way from testing it properly, running around the court, but I just have to see what happens.

“I don’t feel any pressure of needing to come back and play again but if my body feels good and I’m pain free then I’ll give it a go.”

Murray has also posted videos of him hitting balls against a wall as he considers whether he will make another comeback to the sport.

source: express.co.uk