Andy Murray retires from tennis at Paris Olympics

3 months ago 9

Andy Murray has officially retired from tennis after competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

This decision marks the end of an illustrious 19-year career, filled with significant achievements and personal challenges.

Murray, 37, announced that the Olympics would be his final tournament, bringing a close to his time in professional tennis on a stage that holds special significance for him.

Announcing his retirement via his X handle late Thursday, the athlete posted, “Never even liked tennis anyway.”

Murray’s last match was in the men’s doubles quarterfinals at Roland Garros, where he partnered with fellow Brit, Dan Evans.

They faced the American team of Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, ultimately losing 6-2, 6-4.

Despite the loss, Murray expressed pride in finishing his career on his own terms, a sentiment he emphasized given the uncertainties he faced in recent years due to injuries.

Recall that PUNCH Online earlier reported that Murray withdrew from the tennis singles at the Paris Olympics but took part in the doubles.

He believed the men’s doubles, where he is playing with Evans, offers his best chance of another medal.

“I’ve taken the decision to withdraw from the singles to concentrate on the doubles with Dan,” said the British former world number one.

The same happened at the last Olympics in Tokyo 2021 when the 34-year-old Murray then withdrew from the men’s singles tournament due to a muscle injury.

At the Paris 2024, he opted for the doubles following an injury that ruled him out of the Wimbledon tournament.

The two-time Wimbledon champion had undergone a back surgery.

Throughout his career, Murray has been celebrated as one of the greatest British tennis players.

PUNCH Online reports that Murray first rose to prominence by winning the junior US Open in 2004 and turned professional the following year. By 2007, he had broken into the ATP top ten, and in 2008, he reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open.

Murray’s career highlights include winning Wimbledon twice, in 2013 and 2016, becoming the first British man to do so since Fred Perry in 1936. He also won the US Open in 2012 and achieved the world number-one ranking in 2016.

Murray’s Olympic achievements are particularly notable. He won his first gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics by defeating Roger Federer in the final, just weeks after losing to him at Wimbledon. He followed this with another gold in Rio 2016, making him the only player to win back-to-back Olympic singles titles in the modern era.

Additionally, he won a silver medal in mixed doubles at the London Games with Laura Robson.

Murray’s career was also marked by significant injury struggles, particularly with his hip.

He underwent hip resurfacing surgery in 2019, which allowed him to continue playing competitively, albeit not at the same level as his peak years. Despite these challenges, the tennis community has widely admired his determination and resilience.

As Murray bid farewell to tennis, he was celebrated by fans and fellow players alike. Novak Djokovic, one of his career-long rivals, praised Murray as an “incredible competitor” and highlighted his inspiring fighting spirit.