Wimbledon has revealed plans to honour Andy Murray should this year’s tournament turn out to be a farewell to the two-time former champion.
This year’s tournament could be the last for 37-year-old former world No.1 Murray, whose 2013 title made him the first British Wimbledon men’s singles champion since Fred Perry in 1936. He also won in 2016, beating Milos Raonic and claiming his third career Grand Slam title.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) chief executive Sally Bolton said very adaptable plans were in place to honour the Scot.
“We are ready and prepared but ultimately it’s Andy’s decision and we will very much be led by him, and we can amend our plans accordingly,” she said.
“We’re clear about what we want to do but it’s really important that this is Andy’s call.”
Murray confirmed on Monday that he will be playing in the doubles competition alongside his brother Jamie for the first time at this years Wimbledon tournament.
The grass-court Grand Slam runs from July 1-14, with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Czech Marketa Vondrousova the defending champions.
This year also boasts a record breaking prize pot of £50 million ($64m), Wimbledon announced on Thursday. The total pot is 11.9% more than the AELTC paid out at last year’s tournament and double the amount on offer in 2014.
AELTC chair Debbie Jevans told a news conference that organisers had sought a balance between supporting those who relied on prize money to fund coaching, travel and expenses and rewarding the top-level players.
“Interest in attending Wimbledon has never been greater, with unprecedented demand for tickets through our public ballot and corporate hospitality,” Jevans said.