Andy Murray has revealed a devastating family loss just hours after it was confirmed he had landed a surprise new job.
The 37-year-old, who retired from tennis earlier this year, shared on Sunday that his beloved Border Terrier Rusty had died. Penning an emotional tribute to the “loyal and protective” family dog on social media, he added that the “house feels empty” without Rusty in it.
You were the most loyal and protective companion our family could have wished for,” wrote Murray. “You were so patient and gentle with the kids and we all learned so much from you. The house feels empty without you in it.
“The noise you made when you wanted a plate to lick or a biscuit to chew on or when you wanted anything for that matter was infuriating at times! But today we would do anything to hear it again,” he continued, with a ‘heartbroken’ emoji.
“Love you Ruzz,” Murray added. “Rest easy poppet x”
It comes two years after Murray, his wife Kim and their four children said goodbye to their other Border Terrier, Maggie May, who died in 2022. The tennis ace had previously revealed how his beloved dogs were his “biggest supporters”, adding: “Whether I win or lose, they still want to hang out with me.
Murray’s sad announcement also comes just hours after it was revealed that he was making a sensational return to tennis as a coach to former rival Novak Djokovic.
The two men – who, to date, have won a combined 145 singles titles between them – shared a fierce rivalry on court but are now joining forces, with Murray set to be part of Djokovic’s coaching set-up for the Australian Open in January.
While the Scotsman has made no secret of his desire to go into coaching after playing his last match at the Paris Olympics in the summer, for him to team up with such a fierce former rival has come as a major shock.
Revealing the surprise news on Saturday, Djokovic said: “We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits.
“We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner.”
Murray added: “I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.”
