Judy Murray has said her son Andy has “achieved remarkable things in the era of men’s tennis.”
Her comments come as Murray prepares for his first Australian Open match on Monday, in what he says could be his last tournament.
His mother Judy told The Sunday Times: “It’s sad that Andy’s career has ended with an injury but he’s achieved remarkable things in the golden era of men’s tennis and the tributes that have come in for him show how loved and respected he is on and off the court.”
The three-time grand slam winner has battled a hip injury for the past two years. During Friday’s press conference, he said that it was still causing him discomfort while completing simple day-to-day tasks like tying his shoe laces.
Following the 32-year-old’s tearful announcement, tributes poured in.
Speaking at an event in Melbourne, Murray’s biggest rival Novak Djokovic said it was “a shock”.
“It’s quite sad to see him going through what he has been going through…..as someone who has been through a major injury with my elbow in the last couple of years, I can definitely empathise with him and relate to what he’s going through.
“He’s a great champion, he’s a friend of mine that I grew up with,” he said.
In an opinion piece in the Observer, tennis player Nick Kyrgios wrote: “He was an unbelievable player. He was one of the toughest people I ever played against. But I don’t think he gets enough credit for how he was off the court, just as a normal person.
“He was so humble, he was so down to earth, he just loved to have some fun, he loved to have a good time.”
Despite the star’s hopes to play until Wimbledon, his surgeon revealed it will be very difficult.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Dr John O'Donnell, who operated on the Scot's troublesome right hip, said: "I don't think it is impossible, but it will be very difficult."
"He has tried really hard and explored every option that has any real possibility of being helpful," O'Donnell added.
"Realistically I don't think there is anywhere else to go to preserve his hip and get it better so he can continue to play. That won't happen now."
