Andy Murray officially retired from professional tennis after playing his last match at the Paris Olympics with Dan Evans. The former world number 1 has realised that his career could not continue due to injuries and has decided to retire before his physical condition further deteriorates.
The three-time Grand Slam champion had to have a back surgery just before the Wimbledon Championships, where he could only play doubles with his brother Jamie. The former Scottish champion was also supposed to play the mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu, but the 2021 US Open champion retired before playing and sparked a lot of controversies.
Murray’s career has been marked by many prestigious victories, as well as the satisfaction of becoming number 1 in the world in 2016. The Scotsman has been very consistent at high levels and has beaten several times legends like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, despite winning much less Grand Slam titles than them. Andy would have won more titles without the Big 3, but he has said repeatedly that it was an honor to compete with three of the best athletes ever. Murray has squeezed his body to the last and has been a model of resilience for many young tennis players.
Kim Sears on Andy Murray
Andy Murray has a beautiful family and will enjoy his free time in the next few years. The Scottish legend has many interests beyond tennis, but he has promised that he will remain connected to the sport that made him famous around the world.
During a recent interview with The Telegraph, Kim Sears – Andy Murray’s wife – commented on the former World No.1’s retirement: “He is definitely at peace with this idea of retirement. I saw him during the Wimbledon interview getting used to the idea at that moment in his head. He sees himself playing tennis with his children, but for now they are not interested.”
Kim revealed that the last few years have not been easy for Andy: “I really struggle now to watch Andy play. I think probably as being a mum and having four other little people to worry about, I find it unbelievably stressful. I’ve never seen known anyone rise to a challenge like he does.
I think he is at home when his back’s against the wall and he’s having to scrap for things. And I think that’s obviously what’s made him great. I mean, I just feel sick when he plays to be honest, it’s a truly unpleasant feeling. And also he just does his best to make matches difficult to sit through, which is probably for the general public and impartial spectators maybe quite thrilling and addictive but for those closest to him, it’s just unbearable.”
Andy was a warrior
After the delicate hip surgery in 2019, Murray has not returned to his former level. The Scotsman has worked hard to get back on top form, but he has not won any major titles and had to accept a second-tier role in the Grand Slam tournaments.
During a long interview with Sky Sports, former ATP ace Tim Henman commented on Murray’s legacy: “I think his two Wimbledon titles are his greatest achievement. Understanding everything that goes with being a British player and competing at the Championships. For him to be able to get across the line and win the biggest event in our sport – on two occasions for me is his greatest achievement. What do I think Andy Murray will do next? Hopefully relax a little bit! I don’t necessarily know that is what he’ll do, but he’s got a wife and four children and hopefully he will be able to spend some time with them.
He can enjoy the lack of structure, without the tournaments, the training and the travel and just give himself a little bit of time to make decisions around what he can do and what he wants to do next, because there’ll be plenty of opportunities. I think my advice would be don’t rush into them. You’ve got plenty of time and plenty of opportunities ahead.”
The three-time Grand Slam champion is ready to start his second life, hoping that injuries will not affect his quality of life. Murray is the second of the Fab Four to retire after Roger Federer, who retired from the Laver Cup two years ago. The next one should be Rafael Nadal, who has had a lot of difficulties in recent months and is deciding his future.
The Spanish champion did not shine at the Paris Olympics and recently announced that he will not participate in the 2024 edition of the US Open.
