Andy Murray retires, competes for final time at Paris 2024

Posted : 03 August 2024

Andy Murray competed for the final time in the Men's doubles alongside partner Dan Evans. Murray insists he is 'happy' to have ended his storied tennis career 'on his own terms' after his emotional farewell tour concluded at the Olympics.

The two-time Wimbledon champion, now 37, exited the court for the last time on Thursday night after a straight sets quarter-final defeat against Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul. Despite undergoing two hip surgeries and spinal surgery in recent years, the former world No. 1 showcased glimpses of his best on the Roland-Garros clay, miraculously saving five match points in a row with Evans to win their opening encounter against the Japanese duo Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori. Murray, the only man to have won two Olympic tennis gold medals, admitted he was battling through pain and didn't want to risk an injury ending his career abruptly.

"I was emotional, but I am genuinely happy now with how it's finished," said Murray, who also had to withdraw from the singles draw at Wimbledon due to injury earlier this summer. "I'm happy I got to go out at the Olympics and finish on my terms, as at times in my career, that wasn't a certainty."

"It's been really hard physically, and pain-wise, I feel bad," Murray added. "Physically, I can still compete at a high level, but the pain and discomfort on my body are too much. So I'm happy to be finished – if I kept going and trying, eventually an injury would have ended my career. I know now is the right time, as it's been physically very challenging."

Reflecting on his career, Murray shared, "I knew I wanted to finish this summer, but there was still some uncertainty. After surgery on my back, meeting with my doctor, and being fast-tracked to Wimbledon and the Olympics, I was looking forward to the end. Winning a medal would have been amazing and the perfect ending, but I feel grateful to have played here and made amazing memories."

Murray leaves behind a legacy as a three-time Grand Slam champion, becoming the first British man to win a major in 76 years at the 2012 US Open. He followed this with his historic Wimbledon triumph the next summer, becoming the first home player to win since Fred Perry in 1936. Another Wimbledon title in 2016 and runs at the Australian and French Open cemented his status as one of Britain's greatest sportsmen.

Despite battling injuries in recent years, Murray continued to fight with grit and determination, exemplified by his and Evans' two thrilling victories in Paris. Following their miraculous efforts last Sunday, saving multiple match points against the Belgians Sander Gille and Joren Vliegen, Murray left fans with unforgettable memories. "I think the last three matches have shown my character – I've always fought to the end and given my best," Murray said. "I've shown a strong work ethic and resilience."

Reflecting on his future, Murray said, "I'll be away from the sport for the next few months, maybe longer. I'll be at home, assess my options, and see what I fancy doing. If that's nothing, just being at home with my family and being a dad, that's something I'm really looking forward to and want to do immediately. After a few months, I'll think of what I'd like to do next."

Andy Murray retires, competes for final time at Paris 2024

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