Early-match injury stops Murray cold

Andy Murray’s career at Queen’s Club may have been ended on a low note as the five-time champion had to quit after five games in his Wednesday match against Jordan Thompson.

The former world No. 1 needed treatment on his lower back and what looked to be his right leg after just three games against the Australian in their second-round meeting on the grass.

Trailing 2-1 and down a break, Murray took a medical timeout and played two more painful games before retiring from a Tour match for only the third time in 1,001 starts.

The 4-1 loss could have well marked the end for the 37-year-old here, with Murray suggesting that he was looking likely to wrap up his career sometime this season.

His fitness for Wimbledon now has to be a question as well as his pending participation in the Paris Olympics from July 26.

The three-time Grand Slam winner acknowledged the cheers from a sympathetic home crowd as he walked off for what could be his last appearance here.

Thompson paid respects to the great man after Murray threw in the towel after a brief chat with medical personnel during a changeover at his payer bench.

“It’s never the way you want to go through,” he said. “Especially with a great champion like Andy.

“He has been so committed to this tournament, he loves the grass.

“It’s a disappointing way to finish.

Thompson also defeated Murray here in the first round seven years ago.

Commentators said that Murray had looked fit during afternoon practice, with the injury perhaps occurring during the match warmup or in the first few games.