Andy Murray, renowned for his understated presence and letting his tennis skills speak for themselves, recently announced via social media that his illustrious career would conclude in Paris. In an interview with Sky Sports, Murray elaborated on his decision, explaining why he feels ready to transition to the next chapter of his life.
“Physically, my body is ready to stop,” Murray shared. “Mentally, I’m ready to finish playing. The Olympics is also an event that is really special to me. I’ve loved being a part of this team over the last four or five Olympic Games. I’m happy that I get to finish playing here.”
Murray discussed how he arrived at this decision after conversations with his family and team over the past year. Initially uncertain, he thought he might retire after Wimbledon or the Olympics this summer. However, injuries to his ankle and back earlier this year solidified his resolve. “I got the injury to my ankle in March and obviously got the back injury at Queens and had to have the operation. Although I was unsure a few months ago about whether I wanted to stop, I knew after I had to have the surgery on my back that it was the right time.”
Reflecting on his career, Murray expressed pride and contentment. “My body’s been through a lot. A lot of injuries and surgeries. My body, my mind is ready and I’m happy about it. I don’t feel like it’s difficult. A few months ago, I did. I was worried about it, I was unsure about it. But I’m ready. I’m looking forward to what comes next. I’m looking forward to being at home with my children and my family. Physically, I can’t prepare and compete like I used to. Therefore it’s time for me to finish.”
Murray takes pride in his achievements and the support he has received throughout his career. “I’m really proud of the career that I’ve had. I’ve had amazing support throughout my career. A few wobbly moments but for the most part, it’s been brilliant. Getting to compete on the men’s side with the three best players of all time and being a part of that has been brilliant. Competing with them has been unbelievably special. I’ve been fortunate to have the career I’ve had.”
Although he plans to take a break and enjoy retirement, Murray hinted at a future involvement in tennis. “I’ll still have some involvement in tennis at some stage but for the next few months, I just want to relax and take a bit of time to think about what it is I want to do next. I just want to be at home with my kids and not having too many commitments.”
Murray’s Olympic experience, rooming with Cameron Norrie on viral cardboard beds, has been a highlight. “We spend most of our careers in hotel rooms on our own. Being part of a huge team like this and being around the British guys, we’re living in a five-bedroom apartment for a week is brilliant. I love it. The Olympics is amazing. You see some incredible physical performances, unbelievably inspiring stories. It is so different to what tennis is a fairly global sport but the Olympics feels very different to the usual tennis event we play.”
As he aims for a fourth Olympic medal, Murray revealed he is likely to withdraw from singles to focus on doubles with Dan Evans.
“I need to make that decision this evening but I don’t think so. Obviously me and Dan have made the commitment to each other that (doubles) was what we were going to prioritise. I think Dan is still going to play singles but last week he did a lot of doubles practice, that’s what I was predominantly practising in training when I was in Greece and since we’ve been here, we’ve been practising and playing doubles sets together. That gives the team and us the best opportunity to get a medal, realistically. My back is still not perfect and the potential of playing two matches in a day is maybe not the best.”
As Murray prepares to bid farewell to his competitive career, he looks forward to a new chapter filled with family time and contemplation on his future endeavors. His legacy as one of tennis’s greats, competing against the best in the sport, remains indelible.
Andy Murray in 2024
Ranked world no.121, the Brit played his last match on the 19th of June when he had to retire when playing against world no.41 Jordan Thompson in the 2nd round and the scoreline was 4-1 .
Currently, during this year Andy owns a compiled 7-13 match record.
Andy Murray |
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