Abhay Singh
After a career-threatening surgery, Wimbledon and Olympics player Andy Murray says he is happy to have retired from tennis on his own terms. Murray and his partner Dan Evans, both are likely participating in their final Games. They were quickly eliminated in 73 minutes by Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, losing in straight sets in the Olympic quarter-final doubles match against the USA.
Andy Murray, visibly emotional, expressed appreciation for ending his tennis career on his own terms. He humorously added that he “never even liked tennis anyway,” reflecting on his career’s conclusion with both gratitude and light heartedness.
Andy Murray retires from tennis on his own terms
As Murray left the court, he acknowledged that the ending was “not perfect” but expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to compete at both Wimbledon and the Olympics this summer, despite doctors having written him off in June.
“I’m glad I got to go out here at the Olympics on my terms,” he explained. “I knew it was time after surgery. I was looking forward to the end.” He also tweeted simply: “Never even liked tennis anyway.”
“I don’t know what I’m going to do”, but he ruled out commentating. “I’ll be away from the sport for a few months, if not longer, assessing options,” he said, later adding that “being a dad” is “something I really look forward to doing.” He added.
“I knew it was time” Andy Murray on his retirement
Murray, whose body has been struggling lately despite a cyst removal from his back, admitted feeling significant pain. He detailed the potential risks of worsening, including loss of bladder and leg control. When asked about retirement, he explained it now seemed like a positive outcome for him.
“the surgery on my back, really”. “When I wasn’t able to walk properly and my leg wasn’t functioning properly I was told ‘if the cyst continues to grow and puts more pressure on the nerves it turns into like an emergency situation where you can’t control your bladder and you’ll lose control of the other leg’,” Murray explained.
“I knew it was time and thankfully the surgeon did a brilliant job. Obviously the rehab process got fast-tracked to try and play at Wimbledon and obviously here but when that happened [with the cyst] I was looking forward to the end after that.” He added.
Andy Murray gets a court named after him
Right after the match, the Lawn Tennis Association vowed to honor the greatest British tennis player of modern times by naming the center court seating area at Queen’s Club the Andy Murray Arena. Murray was given the knighthood back in 2017. However, he prefers to not use the title “sir”.
Scott Lloyd, the LTA’s chief executive, said: “Andy is the greatest tennis player ever to come from this country and a giant of British sport. His contribution to the game is immense and has brought us all so many moments of pride. He was relentless in his pursuit of excellence and had a single-minded determination to succeed.”
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