Recent remarks—described by some as revealing “true colours”—are better understood as candid reflections rather than signs of conflict. Professional athletes often speak more openly as their careers evolve, offering honest perspectives that can sometimes be misread as criticism.
Former world doubles number one Jamie Murray has announced his retirement from tennis, following his brother Andy in hanging up his racket.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion – who won two of his 34 doubles titles alongside his younger brother – had not played since the US Open in August and confirmed on Instagram that he has decided to walk away from the sport at the age of 40.
My tennis journey comes to an end after 36 years,” he wrote. “I feel very fortunate and privileged for all the amazing experiences this great sport has given me.
Thanks Mum, Dad, Andy, Ale, Alan, Louis and Thomas for all your incredible support, efforts and sacrifices throughout my career that allowed me to achieve everything I could in the game. For everybody else that’s helped and supported me – I appreciate all of you!”
Jamie retires having won more Grand Slam and tour doubles titles than any other British player in the Open Era, despite public attention often directed towards his younger brother.
While he now claims that living in Andy’s shadow never bothered him, Jamie has previously fallen out with his brother very publicly, with an incident at the 2008 Davis Cup threatening to break up the brothers as they went weeks without speaking to each other.
During the tournament, Andy made the decision to withdraw from Great Britain’s match against Argentina to avoid aggravating a knee injury. He had been due to play alongside Jamie, who had to pair up with Ross Hutchins instead as the duo fell to a defeat.
Britain’s Andy Murray (L) and his brother Jamie, attend a Press Conference in the Media Theatre in the Broadcast Centre, after losing their men’s first round doubles tennis match, on the fourth day of
Incensed by his younger brother’s withdrawal, Jamie promptly hit out at him as he claimed he could have “pushed himself” and taken part in the match if he really wanted to.
It kind of affects the way we feel about him,” he said at the time. “I think it’s disappointing he chose not to come. From what I have been reading he hasn’t come out and said he’s injured, it’s more a prevention thing. I think if he had really wanted to push himself he could have come here for the match.
“It was a shock for me and for the team. I was not aware he had a problem. From his point of view, I guess he doesn’t have anything to apologise for as he’s taken the decision not to come.
“If he had come here, he would have caused them problems because he has the ability to win singles matches, he’s a world-class player,” Jamie added. “He’s been in the top 10 and not by fluke. I think he would have liked to come here and had the crowd against him, he plays better in those circumstances.”
Andy then fired back, saying his brother’s remarks were “disappointing” as he added: “He obviously felt pretty strongly about it and he’s entitled to his opinion. If he knew what it was like playing three five-set matches in a row on clay then maybe he’d understand my position a little bit better.
“I’ve not spoken to him yet. I’ll see him soon. I guess we’ll have to have a chat about it and just discuss our feelings on Davis Cup and the sort of position that I am in, but it’s probably not going to be the most fun conversation to have with your brother.”
As a result of the fallout, the brothers did not speak to each other for two weeks, but later reconciled and now enjoy a very close relationship.
Indeed, following Jamie’s announcement this week, Andy has shown his true colours with a wonderful tribute to his brother.
Jamie, I’m not sure what I loved more, being on court with you or winding you up when we were kids. But I know the way we pushed each other helped us go as far as we did,” Andy said.
“You were the first to win a Wimbledon title and the first British player to reach world No.1. since the seventies. Seven grand slams, 39 titles and one of the best volleyers in the sport.
“After more than 22 years and a thousand matches it has been weird not checking in on all of your results these past few months. Looking back, so many of the moments that mean the most to me on court, we were out there together.
“Our first Olympics in Beijing, to winning the Davis Cup and all those ties back in Scotland. I’ll always owe you for that final match on Centre Court. It meant everything to share that with you and now it is your turn to call it a day.
“I know you’re ready. I just hope you know how proud we all are of you. Jamie Murray: Grand Slam champion. Davis Cup winner. Olympian. World No.1. Partner. Brother. Very average golfer. Enjoy retirement, from your number one fan, Andy.”
Jamie’s decision to retire also comes eight months on from the finalisation of his divorce from his wife of 15 years, Alejandra Gutierrez, with the couple splitting up in 2024.
They met in 2008 when Gutierrez was a business student and, after marrying two years later at luxury hotel Cromlix House – now owned by Andy and his wife Kim – they welcomed a daughter, Ava.
However, they have since decided to go their separate ways, with a spokesperson for Jamie confirming the divorce in a statement to The Sun, which read: “Jamie and Alejandra Murray divorced on August 22, 2025, having separated the previous year.
“As with any divorce, this is an extremely difficult time for Jamie and Alejandra and they would appreciate that their privacy is respected whilst they navigate their future and protect their family.”
In the wake of the split, The Sun also reported that Jamie had joined celebrity dating app Raya, reportedly using a photo of himself playing alongside Andy on his profile, and describing himself as an an athlete who “travels the world playing tennis.
A family friend told the publication that the split was “a really sad situation,” adding: “They’re working hard to make it as amicable as possible between them at this stage. Jamie’s started to make moves towards meeting someone new by signing up to dating sites.”
