“Proud” Andy Murray Bows Out of Tennis with Paris Olympics Loss

Andy Murray announced his retirement on his own terms after concluding his illustrious tennis career at the Paris Olympics on Thursday. Murray, a former world number one and winner of three Grand Slam titles, retired at age 37 following a loss in the men’s doubles quarterfinals at Roland Garros alongside Dan Evans. The American duo of Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul defeated them 6-2, 6-4 on the crowded Court Suzanne Lenglen. Murray had previously declared that this Olympics would be his final competition.

“I’m proud of my career, my achievements, and what I put into the sport,” Murray expressed. “It was emotional because it’s the last competitive match I will play. But I am genuinely happy right now. I’m happy with how it ended.”

He appreciated the opportunity to conclude his career at the Olympics, a finish that was uncertain in recent years due to health issues. Shortly after his match, Murray humorously posted on social media platform X: “Never even liked tennis anyway.”

Novak Djokovic, a long-time rival, praised Murray as “an incredible competitor” and one of the greatest warriors in tennis, whose fighting spirit will likely inspire future generations.

As one of the ‘Big Four’, Murray joins Roger Federer, who retired in 2022, in stepping away from professional tennis. Rafael Nadal, having won 22 majors, also hinted at retirement following his exit from the Paris Olympics and expressed doubts about participating in the US Open, leaving Djokovic as the only active player among the quartet that has dominated 69 major titles collectively.

Murray famously broke Britain’s 77-year drought for a men’s champion at Wimbledon by winning in 2013 and again in 2016, adding to his first major win at the 2012 US Open. He secured Olympic gold twice, first in 2012 by defeating Federer and again in 2016 against Juan Martin del Potro, making him the first player to win two Olympic singles golds.

Additionally, Murray led Britain to a Davis Cup victory in 2015, the first in 79 years, and has accumulated 46 career titles and about $65 million in prize money. His later years were plagued by injuries, leading him to rank 117th globally. He has competed with a metal hip since 2019 and underwent surgery earlier this year to remove a spinal cyst, which sidelined him from singles at Wimbledon.

Reflecting on his physical challenges, Murray acknowledged at Wimbledon, “It’s hard because I would love to keep playing, but I can’t. Physically, it is too tough now.”

Meanwhile, the younger generation has begun to emerge, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz winning major titles and reshaping the men’s tennis landscape.

Alcaraz paid tribute to Murray on X, stating, “It was a privilege to share the court with you, Andy! Congratulations on a legendary career and for being an example to all. You will always have a fan here.”