Two-time champion Andy Murray to play Wimbledon 2018

Two-time champion, Andy Murray has decided to play in the upcoming Wimbledon 2018, starting Monday.

Following his recent early exits from Queen’s Championships and Eastbourne tournament, the Brit had said he wasn’t fully sure if he would play at the All England Club.

The 31-year-old Britain, who has played only three matches in the past year, made no prior announcement but his name featured in Friday's draw.

Unseeded Murray, ranked 156th, will play France's Benoit Paire in the first round. Paire was also Murray's last opponent at Wimbledon, beating him in the fourth round last year before losing to Sam Querrey in the quarter-finals. 

 Prior to his appearance at the Queen’s Championship a few days back, the 31-year-old three-time Grand Slam champion had not played a competitive match since losing to Sam Querrey in last year's Wimbledon quarter-finals.

Murray suffered his hip injury in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon last year and underwent surgery in January.

"It was a bit of a tough match, mentally, playing Andy, but I had to try to view it as another match," Edmund, who has taken over from his mentor as national number one, told reporters.

"I've looked up to Andy so much, and he's looked after me and really been good for me, so it's a bit of a weird feeling. I was a bit nervous towards the end."

He had opted to have right hip surgery five months ago. His ranking has slipped to 156 but there were times during a compelling two hour 39 minute clash with Kyrgios in the first round of the Queen's Club championships when it looked as though he had never been away.

Ultimately, however, he could not last the pace and Kyrgios buckled down after a torrid first set to win 2-6 7-6(4) 7-5. He was clearly fatigued at the end and there was even the suggestion of a limp but Murray said that was only to be expected after such a long layoff.

(With Reuters inputs)