After losing against Dan Evans in the men’s doubles quarterfinal at the Paris Olympics, the Scot put down his racket.
After Andy Murray retired, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal paid their respects to the former world champion.
After losing to Dan Evans in the Olympic men’s doubles quarterfinal on Thursday night, Murray sent a heartfelt and lasting wave across Court Suzanne Lenglen. It was his last match of the career.
The Scot hangs up his racket after Federer, and the 20-time grand slam champion congratulates Murray on his accomplishments in a video message.
Federer congratulated his friend Andy on an amazing career that included winning the Wimbledon championship, the US Open, the Davis Cup, the Olympics, and many other accomplishments.
“World number one, numerous Masters 1000s, and a gentleman.” Alright, Sir Andy Murray, amazing work on the most amazing of careers.
“A wonderful person, accomplishing everything with a large family at the end, and a hip and body that were obviously no longer providing you with what you desired.” But I’m really glad you were able to continue playing for as long as you did because you’ve been a real inspiration to me and a lot of other gamers.
“From my perspective, Andy, I greatly admire you. Even though I lost against you a lot and it was painful, I like playing against you. Congratulations on all of your accomplishments thus far and all that is ahead. Best wishes, and I’m sure we’ll cross paths again in the future. Savor the moment.
The only remaining members of the “big four” that ruled the sport for ten years are Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, and the Spaniard’s future is also looking quite bleak.
“I am very sad to do this video because you are one of the players that the locker room loves most, for your character, for your charisma, and for the way that you have been with me personally and with the other players,” Nadal said in a video message to Murray.
“I had a great time competing and supporting my teammates throughout the trip. I believe we had some wonderful times together and that we shared. I simply wanted to say thank you for everything.
“You’ve realized your dream of being among the world’s finest players. The greatest, a few instances, and accomplishing incredible feats for the tennis community.
I just wanted to say that I truly wished you the best of luck in the future as you enjoy yourself with the family and look forward to staying in touch and seeing you often. Best wishes, my friend.
Murray arrived at Team GB’s performance lodge in Paris on Friday morning to be met with a guard of honor.
The 37-year-old will not be returning home right away since during the next several days, he will be joined by his wife Kim and his oldest daughter Sophia to take in some Olympic athletic action.
Murray stated he was “just looking forward to what’s next now” in an interview with Eurosport. He also disclosed that he had heard from Bjorn Borg.
Murray recalled hearing him say, “Congrats to one of the all-time greats, good luck for what’s next.”
“I know full well that the individuals I was up against had far more successful careers than mine.
However, there was a time in the middle of my career when I regularly competed against them in the biggest events, and it meant a lot to me that I was able to achieve world number one while they were all playing.
“Winning the main competitions during their existence hasn’t been simple. So, it was undoubtedly really unique to have someone of that caliber recognize that.