Wimbledon open to extending wildcard deadline for Murray

Andy Murray could apply for a wildcard to play at Wimbledon, and the All England Club would consider extending their deadline of June 18.

Andy Murray could use his protected ranking status to enter Wimbledon.

Wimbledon's wildcard deadline could be extended should it help Andy Murray make the tournament.

Murray announced in January that he planned to retire after Wimbledon, though an operation for a troublesome hip problem could well mean that the Australian Open earlier this year will prove his final tournament appearance.

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Former world number one Murray said on Sunday that he was "pain free" following the surgery, but was feeling under no pressure to return to action.

The 31-year-old could use his protected ranking status to enter Wimbledon, which starts on July 1, though there could be a possibility that he instead applies for a wildcard should he be fit enough to compete.

And the All England Club has confirmed it would be open to extending the deadline - which is currently set for June 18 - should Murray require more time to make his decision.

"There have been no discussions with Andy yet. It's too soon to know the answer to that one," chairman Philip Brook told a news conference.

"Should he wish to apply he would do so in the normal way, we have a scheduled meeting on June 18 ahead of the championships to decide on wild cards.

"We have a process which applies to all players. If Andy came forward with a strong case I am sure we would work with him."

Murray exited the Australian Open in the first round, losing in five sets to Roberto Bautista-Agut.