Andy Murray has said goodbye to tennis for the last time after being knocked out of the men’s doubles at the Paris Olympics.
Murray and Dan Evans were facing Team USA duo Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul but fell to a 6-2 6-4 defeat at Roland Garros.
It brings an end to a stunning career in which the Scotsman has established himself as one of Britain’s greatest-ever sports stars.
As well as reaching world no.1, Murray has won three Grand Slam titles in his career, including a US Open in 2012.
He also won Wimbledon twice in 2013 and 2016, as well as winning two Olympic gold medals in men’s singles in 2012 and 2016.
While his campaign at Paris 2024 hasn’t ended with a medal, it was only fitting that his career would end on one of the biggest stages of all.
Murray and Evans were painfully close to a first round exit at Paris 2024 but pulled off a heroic comeback to see off Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori on Sunday.
They then edged out Belgian duo Joran Vliegen and Sander Gille on Tuesday to progress to the men’s doubles quarter-finals.
However, US duo Fritz and Paul – who are ranked 11th and 13th in the LTA rankings respectively – put up a much more stern test and eventually prospered.
Murray, who fought back the tears as he received a standing ovation from the fans in attendance, as well as an emotional Evans and from Fritz and Paul.
Murray has been soaking up the experience of his last-ever Olympics having been spotted on the Team GB boat during the Olympic opening ceremony.
He was then revealed to have been collecting Olympic pin badges as he looked to squeeze every memory out of his time in Paris.
Now that his tennis days are over, Murray has also hinted at what he plans to do post-retirement, saying: “I’ll play a lot of golf.
Now that his tennis days are over, Murray has also hinted at what he plans to do post-retirement, saying: “I’ll play a lot of golf.
“I want to become a scratch golfer. I’ve always loved playing golf, but because of the issues with my back, I haven’t played for five or six years.
“I don’t know exactly what the rest of my life will look like, but I will still stay in touch with the sport,” Murray continued. “Initially, I want to be at home with my family. I want to spend a lot of time with my kids and my wife, so I won’t be on the road much, I know that.”
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News Summary:
- Andy Murray fights back tears and receives standing ovation with retirement confirmed after Olympics defeat
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