Sir Andy Murray showcased his iconic humor just moments after concluding his extraordinary tennis career on Thursday night.
The two-time Olympic champion exited the sport following a defeat in straight sets alongside his Team GB partner Dan Evans against the USA pair of Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul during the doubles quarter-finals.
Before the start of the Games, Murray had declared his intention to retire following the conclusion of the Paris 2024 event.
With visible emotion, the 37-year-old waved goodbye to fans at Court Suzanne Lenglen, marking his final appearance on the tennis court.
However, it didn’t take long for him to revert to his usual playful self as he took to the social media platform X, joking, ‘Never even liked tennis anyway.’
Andy Murray joked that he ‘never even liked tennis anyway’ on X just after his final tennis game
The last match of Andy Murray’s glittering tennis career ended in defeat in Paris on Thursday
Murray and Team GB partner Dan Evans lost in the quarter-finals of the Olympic men’s doubles
Taylor Fritz (right) and Tommy Paul (left) will now face an Australian duo in the semi-finals
With his retirement date looming throughout the tournament, Murray expressed that he is ready to embark on the next chapter of his life.
In an interview with BBC Sport after his loss, he stated: ‘I have been prepared for this moment for the past few months since undergoing back surgery – I knew it was the right time and I feel fortunate to have competed here.
‘I am thankful to Dan Evans for his hard work in giving us a good chance to make a deep run. I look forward to stepping back now.
‘I have given everything I could to the sport and I cherish competing in the Olympic Games. These weeks are incredibly special, and I will certainly miss them – I have done everything I could to prepare for this event.
‘It would have been a fairytale ending to secure a medal, but it wasn’t meant to be. I’m proud to have been part of Team GB, and I will miss it.’
After withdrawing from the singles event to focus solely on his men’s doubles ambitions, Murray briefly teased fans that this final chapter could end with a gold medal.
Following a gripping first-round match where he saved five match points to defeat Japan, Murray and Evans continued to showcase their resilience, winning against Belgium in the second round. However, they succumbed on Thursday, with a score of 6-2 6-4.
Fritz and Paul are set to meet Australia’s Matthew Ebden and John Peers in the semi-finals.
An emotional Murray pictured waving as he left court following the final match of his career
Tears were shed by both Murray and Evans as they shared a post-match hug at Roland Garros
Murray also received a hug from Taylor Fritz, who is currently 12th in the ATP singles rankings
Murray concluded his career with three Grand Slam singles titles, including two Wimbledon victories. He also earned three Olympic medals for Great Britain – two golds in singles and a silver in mixed doubles at London 2012.
As Murray exited the court, Fritz and Paul led the applause in recognition of his contribution to the sport.
Murray, who received a knighthood in 2019, leaves behind a remarkable legacy. He has claimed 46 singles titles, competing alongside legends like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, defeating members of this illustrious trio 29 times.
He was the year-end World No. 1 in 2016, the same year he secured his second Wimbledon title and became a double Olympic champion. Murray won 739 of his 1,001 matches on the ATP Tour and amassed $64,677,584 in prize money.
As the face of British tennis, his career has been marked by numerous high-profile events, with his retirement evoking widespread reflection from the sports community and beyond.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer tweeted on Thursday night: ‘Davis Cup, 2 Olympic golds, and 3 Grand Slams. But more than that, thanks @andy_murray for two decades of phenomenal entertainment and sportsmanship. A true British great.’
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney expressed, ‘Commiserations to @andy_murray and Dan Evans. They delivered such a spirited performance. Thank you, Andy, for inspiring us all. Scotland could not be more proud of you and all you’ve given us.’
UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer reacted to Murray’s retirement by praising him via X
John Swinney tweeted: ‘Scotland could not be more proud of you and all you have given us’
Murray won three Grand Slam singles titles during his career, including Wimbledon twice
British tennis player Naomi Broady remarked on BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘The legacy Andy Murray leaves behind will continue to influence British tennis for decades to come.’
Two-time Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton noted: ‘He has contributed immensely to British sport and the Olympics as well.
‘I’ve had the privilege of meeting Andy a few times, and he has always been humble, driven, and kind, which speaks volumes.
‘His legacy is undoubtedly significant as he retires from sport. He has devoted his entire body to achieving such greatness, and we are all thankful for that.
‘I simply want to express my gratitude to Andy Murray for being such a hero.’
Despite losing 6-2 6-4, Murray and Evans still produced some moments of magic on Thursday
But there were also moments of disappointment as Murray appeared frustrated at times
Murray waved goodbye to tennis at Roland Garros with the five Olympic rings behind him
Presenter and author Greg James shared on social media: ‘It’s going to be tough watching tennis and not feeling anxious, isn’t it?
‘Thank you, Andy Murray – it’s been, at times, a complete f***ing nightmare, but I wouldn’t change any of it. I don’t even want to debate it; he’s our greatest ever sportsperson.’
