Andy Murray announced his retirement 'on my terms' as his illustrious career concluded emotionally at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, marking the end of an era for tennis's golden generation. The ex-world number one and three-time Grand Slam champion stepped into retirement at 37, alongside Dan Evans, after their defeat in the men's doubles quarter-finals at Roland Garros. The American duo of Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul secured the win with a 6-2, 6-4 score on a bustling Court Suzanne Lenglen.
Murray, who had previously declared the Olympics his final event, expressed pride in his career and achievements. 'I'm proud of my career, my achievements and what I put into the sport,' he stated. 'Obviously it was emotional because it's the last time I will play a competitive match. But I am genuinely happy just now. I'm happy with how it finished.' He further added, 'I'm glad I got to go out here at the Olympics and finish on my terms because at times in the last few years that wasn't a certainty.'
Shortly after his departure, Murray humorously tweeted, 'Never even liked tennis anyway.' His long-time adversary, Novak Djokovic, praised him as 'an incredible competitor' and 'one of the greatest warriors tennis has seen.' Djokovic believes Murray's fighting spirit will inspire future generations.
Murray, part of the 'Big Four,' now retires alongside Roger Federer, who stepped down in 2022. Rafael Nadal, who has 22 Grand Slam titles but faces increasing injury concerns at 38, hinted at his own retirement after exiting the Paris Olympics. This leaves only Djokovic, with a record 24 Grand Slams, as the sole active member of the elite group that has collectively won 69 majors.
Murray's legacy includes ending Britain's 77-year drought for a Wimbledon men's champion in 2013 and winning a second title in 2016. He also secured gold at the 2012 Olympics and led Britain to its first Davis Cup title in 79 years. Despite recent injuries and a decline in rankings, Murray's career boasts 46 titles and approximately $65 million in prize money.
Reflecting on his physical limitations, Murray admitted, 'It's hard because I would love to keep playing, but I can't. Physically it is too tough now, all of the injuries, they have added up and they haven't been insignificant.' As men's tennis moves forward, young talents like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are emerging, signaling a new era in the sport.
