The world of sport – from tennis to golf and even a Bundesliga club – have been offering up words of support for Andy Murray after the three-time grand slam winner admitted he will retire this year and possibly even this month.
Speaking in the build-up to his first-round match at the Australian Open, Murray said: “In December I spoke to my team and I told them: ‘I cannot keep doing this. Look, I think I can get through this until Wimbledon. That’s where I would like to stop playing.’ But I am not certain I am able to do that.”
No one would begrudge Murray one last appearance at Wimbledon in July but, if his body does not allow him to make it that far, at least he will leave the sport knowing he is respected, admired and loved by his fellow pros.
Kyle Edmund, British No 1
Nobody has done more for British tennis than you and it looks like nobody will for many years to come. You have been an inspiration, friend and role model to me from the get go and I thank you for everything. Hope to see you out there for as long as possible @andy_murray 🎾 pic.twitter.com/xkxUXf1lOb
— Kyle Edmund (@kyle8edmund) January 11, 2019
Juan Martín del Potro, world No 5
Andy, just watched your conference. Please don’t stop trying. Keep fighting. I can imagine your pain and sadness. I hope you can overcome this. You deserve to retire on your own terms, whenever that happens. We love you @andy_murray and we want to see you happy and doing well. 🙏
— Juan M. del Potro (@delpotrojuan) January 11, 2019
Darren Cahill, Murray’s former coach
When you search for examples of “emptied the bucket to be as good as they could be” there should be a picture of Andy Murray sitting under that quote. Remarkable discipline for training, competition, sacrifice, perfection, a little crazy 😃 but a legend of a bloke. Bravo Andy 👏
— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) January 11, 2019
Andy Roddick, former world No 1
Just thinking out loud here. He deserves his moment to say goodbye at Wimbledon. He’s too important to Great Britain and Wimbledon history to not have it..... Would be a pretty cool moment to play doubles w his bro at Wimby if he can’t play singles https://t.co/m7caeL2shX
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) January 11, 2019
Grigor Dimitrov, world No 21
Tennis will come to an end for us all but the friendships will last a lifetime. What you’ve done for the sport will live on forever. I’m hoping for a strong and healthy finish for you, my friend! @andy_murray pic.twitter.com/Bcs0cdllJp
— Grigor Dimitrov (@GrigorDimitrov) January 11, 2019
Andrew Castle, former British No 1
Congratulations Andy #Murray. A career that speaks for itself.
— Andrew Castle (@AndrewCastle63) January 11, 2019
Wimbledon Champion
US Open Champion
Australian Open Final
French Open Final
Davis Cup Winner
Olympic Gold
World No.1
100% from start to finish. Inspiring.
Kim Clijsters, four-time grand slam champion
My heart breaks listening to @andy_murray during his press conference... Hope he will make it through to Wimbledon and have the farewell he deserves . #greatguy
— Kim Clijsters (@Clijsterskim) January 11, 2019
Kevin Anderson, world No 6
My thoughts are with @andy_murray and I really hope we continue to see you fighting on court so you can retire on your own terms. Get well soon... Tennis is better with you. pic.twitter.com/0z1401hKXe
— Kevin Anderson (@KAndersonATP) January 11, 2019
Billie Jean King, 12-time grand slam champion
.@andy_murray You are a champion on and off the court. So sorry you cannot retire on your own terms, but remember to look to the future. Your greatest impact on the world may be yet to come. Your voice for equality will inspire future generations. Much love to you & your family. https://t.co/AQUOP3LGec
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 11, 2019
Magnus Norman, tennis coach and former French Open finalist
If true. Feel down to the bone for Andy Murray right now. Amazing player, fighter, nr 1 and multiple GS champion. Deepest respect.
— Magnus Norman (@normansweden) January 11, 2019
The Davis Cup, which Murray won with Great Britain in 2015
A modern great for moments like this...
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) January 11, 2019
After an emotional announcement that retirement is on the horizon, it’s worth reliving *THAT* match point from @andy_murray to win the 2015 #DavisCup for @BritishTennis 🇬🇧
pic.twitter.com/PSssXQ6pNQ
Mardy Fish, captain of US team in Davis Cup
The @andy_murray that I know will absolutely make it to Wimbledon to play his final tournament. Not many with more heart, effort in the history of the game. Was always a pleasure to share the court pal.
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) January 11, 2019
John Millman, world No 38
Andy will always be a titan of our sport. A hero of mine throughout my career. A true warrior whenever he steps on the court. https://t.co/Ka6fq5jy4B
— John Millman (@johnhmillman) January 11, 2019
Karen Khachanov, world No 11
Really sad to hear that @andy_murray 😢You are a true champion of our sport and great example for all of us!Stay strong 🙏🏻 https://t.co/Bw8ZIF0QUM
— Karen Khachanov (@karenkhachanov) January 11, 2019
Greg Rusedski, former British No 1
Andy Murray is our best British tennis player in the Open era. He is one of the best athletes, tactician & competitor to grace our sport.He should be so proud of his incredible career . 3 GS🏆, 1 DavisCup winner,2 Olympic Golds 🥇, Year end World no.1 , 45 titles!👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻
— Greg Rusedski (@GregRusedski1) January 11, 2019
Victoria Azarenka, two-time Australian Open champion
The realest 🙏🏻 https://t.co/wy0Rh1gp9N
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) January 11, 2019
Svetlana Kuznetsova, two-time grand slam champion
@andy_murray Andy you are the best no matter what! And so strong! All the respect !
— Svetlana Kuznetsova (@SvetlanaK27) January 11, 2019
Liam Broady, British No 4
Heather Watson, former Wimbledon mixed doubles champion
The Byran brothers, the greatest doubles players in history
Nick Kyrgios, world No 51
Justin Rose, Olympic golf champion
What a career @andy_murray keep it going as everybody wants to watch you @Wimbledon in July mate. #🇬🇧GOAT
— Justin Rose (@JustinRose99) January 11, 2019
–– 3x Grand Slams
–– 2x Olympic gold medals
–– ATP Finals
–– 2016 world No.1
–– 14x Masters 1000 titles
–– 8x Grand Slam finals
–– 45 total ATP titles
Legend 🏆🏅🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/CYphhRvUcC
Neil Lennon, Hibernian manager
💚| “Andy Murray is an inspiration and a role model. He’s been the ideal mentor to Fraser Murray and Ryan Porteous. I hope he’s able to finish an incredible career on his terms. Everyone at Hibernian Football Club is rooting for him.” Neil Lennon. pic.twitter.com/jxAdSicxRl
— Hibernian FC (@HibernianFC) January 11, 2019
Mainz, 12th in the Bundesliga
When you hear #AndyMurray is retiring 😮#UpTheMainz pic.twitter.com/0w74j6hUK6
— Mainz 05 English (@Mainz05en) January 11, 2019
Gary Lineker, former Leicestershire Schools cricket captain
Always sad when a sporting career comes to an end. Sadder still when it’s one of the greatest sportsmen that these islands has ever produced. Wish @andy_murray all the very best. A truly wonderful tennis player, and an absolute credit to his sport. Well played, Sir. 👋👋 https://t.co/z0td9c4Q3Y
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 11, 2019
Wimbledon, where he will hopefully play once more
To Andy,
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) January 11, 2019
Whatever happens next, you've done more than you know.#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/0eJFHVpALG
