Andy Murray had to retire against Australia’s Jordan Thompson with a back injury in what is likely to be his final appearance at Queen’s.

It was a sad way for the 37-year-old Briton, who is expected to retire later this year, to leave a tournament which he has won five times.

Murray was playing less than 24 hours after winning his first-round match against Australia’s Alexei Popyrin.

From the start, the former world number one looked uncomfortable during the points and was heavily limping between them.

Murray said the issue was not a back spasm, but caused a “loss of strength, coordination and control” in his right leg.

“When I walked up the stairs before going out, and in the pre-match warm-up, my back was uncomfortable,” said Murray.

“In hindsight I wish I hadn’t gone on the court.”

After being broken in the first game, Murray held serve in the third and asked for a medical time-out at the changeover.

The Scot had treatment on his back as he laid on the court.

A huge cheer of encouragement greeted Murray back on to the court but he lasted just two more games before having to stop at 4-1 down.

The three-time Grand Slam champion waved to all sides of the stadium after shaking hands with Thompson, thanking the home crowd for their support on a tough afternoon – and seemingly for their backing ever since he made his debut at the west London club in 2005.

“That’s never the way you want to win,” said Thompson.

“He’s a great champion and it’s disappointing to see him hurt.”