Andy Murray declared that he concludes his career contentedly, having retired from professional tennis on his own terms at the Paris Olympics on Thursday evening.
Following a thrilling week in Paris, Murray and Dan Evans lost 6-2, 6-4 in the quarter-finals of the men’s doubles to the third seeds, Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz from the United States. This match marked the end of Murray’s illustrious career.
“It felt good,” Murray shared. “I was aware this moment was approaching over the last few months. If it didn’t happen today, it would have been in just a couple of days, and I was prepared for that. Of course, I was emotional since it was my last competitive match. However, I genuinely feel happy right now. I’m content with how it has concluded.
“I’m relieved that I could exit here at the Olympics and retire on my own terms, as there were times in recent years when that wasn’t guaranteed. Even a few months ago, when I first went in for a scan on my back because of issues I was experiencing, the doctors told me that I wouldn’t be able to participate in the Olympics or Wimbledon.
“So I consider myself fortunate to have had the chance to compete here, enjoy some fantastic matches, create incredible memories, and yes, I feel good.”
Murray and Evans experienced a thrilling week in Paris, miraculously saving five consecutive match points after being down 4-9 in the final set tie-break against Japan’s Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel, then saving two more match points in their second-round match against Joran Vliegen and Sander Gillé. Despite saving another match point against Fritz and Paul and recovering one of two breaks in the second set, the third seeds managed to secure their spot in the semi-finals.
The final months of Murray’s career were hindered by severe injuries, having torn ankle ligaments in March and undergone back surgery just before Wimbledon in June. Murray mentioned that the back surgery and the toll that extending his career could take on his body were significant factors in accepting his retirement.
“It’s been incredibly difficult,” Murray reflected. “Physically, I feel terrible. I can certainly step on the court and perform at a competitive level. We nearly made it to the medal rounds here, which is fine. But the pain and discomfort in my body are not good.
“That’s also why I’m pleased to be ending my career. If I continued pushing myself, I could ultimately face an injury that would prematurely end my career. So, I recognize that now is the right moment.”
After much of this year being anxious about retirement, Murray also acknowledged that his back surgery in June allowed him to view his retirement more positively.
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“When I was no longer able to walk properly and my leg wasn’t functioning as it should, I was informed that if this continued and caused more pressure on the nerves, it could escalate into a situation where I would lose bladder control and manage the other leg. That’s when I realized it was time.
“Fortunately, the surgeon did an excellent job, and the rehabilitation process was expedited to allow me to compete at Wimbledon and here. When that occurred, I thought, ‘wow’. I was just looking forward to it all being over after that.”
Immediately after the match, the LTA announced it would tribute Murray by renaming Centre Court at the Queen’s Club to Andy Murray Arena during the ATP and WTA tournaments from next year. “We are honored to name the arena at our tournament after him,” stated Scott Lloyd, LTA’s Chief Executive.
Late Thursday evening, Murray changed his bio on X from “I play tennis” to “I played tennis.” Shortly thereafter, he posted “Never even liked tennis anyway.”
In other news, Novak Djokovic will seek further medical evaluation for his knee after receiving on-court treatment during his victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the singles quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, in the women’s singles, Iga Swiatek faced defeat against China’s Zheng Qinwen.
