Andy Murray wept. Dan Evans shed tears. Even BBC presenter Clare Balding found herself emotional.
In the wake of Murray’s remarkable career concluding at the Paris 2024 Olympics, emotions ran high.
The atmosphere was palpable at Roland Garros, felt by Murray, his British teammates, and the throngs of devoted fans chanting his name.
This sentiment resonated throughout a nation that will no longer witness one of its sports legends compete at a professional level, and Balding’s reaction encapsulated the emotions of countless fans who have admired this British icon over the years.
“It was emotional, knowing this is the last time I’ll compete,” stated Murray, who received warm applause from his mother Judy, watching from the stands.
“But I genuinely feel happy right now. I’m content with how things ended.”
Murray has always been open about his emotions publically.
Notably, after losing to Roger Federer in the 2012 Wimbledon final, tears flowed on Centre Court, earning him the affection of a broader segment of the British public.
“This isn’t going to be easy…” he told Sue Barker on court after that match, before succumbing to tears.
Earlier, he had teared up following his defeat in the 2010 Australian Open final against Federer, humorously noting he could “cry like Roger… it’s too bad I can’t play like him.”
After finally securing a Grand Slam title – along with two others – injuries led to further tears.
In 2018, he broke down while wrapped in a towel at the Washington Open, struggling through hip pain.
Days before the 2019 Australian Open, Murray wept during a pre-tournament press conference as he disclosed his retirement was imminent due to essential hip resurfacing surgery that he believed would terminate his career.
Fast forward five and a half years, and after extracting every possible essence from his comeback, Murray felt it was indeed time to retire.
“It’s been challenging. The physical pain has been tough,” he remarked.
“I can still step onto the court and perform at a competitive level.
“We nearly reached the medal rounds here, which is fine, but the pain and discomfort in my body aren’t right, and that’s why I’m at peace with retiring.
“If I continued pushing myself, I risked an injury that could jeopardize my career.
“I recognize that now is the proper time, physically.”
Once the tears at Roland Garros had subsided, a reflective Murray shared how difficult the closing months had been.
A March ankle injury disrupted what was meant to be his farewell season, and when he finally returned, he faced complications attending an emotional send-off at Wimbledon due to requiring back surgery to remove a cyst.
Murray had conceded he would likely not have a “perfect ending,” but mentioned he “accelerated his rehab” to appear at the Olympics.
“I’m grateful I was able to conclude my career on my own terms,” he noted.
“There have been times over the last few years when that felt uncertain.
“Even when I first went to have my back scanned, I was informed that I wouldn’t be playing at the Olympics or Wimbledon.
“So I feel fortunate for the chance to compete here, have some fantastic matches, and create wonderful memories.”
Murray represents many things to various people who may not know him personally: a sporting icon who elevated British tennis; a staunch advocate for gender equality in a male-centric sport; an all-around great person with a sharply dry sense of humor.
His dry wit re-emerged shortly after addressing the media.
“I never even liked tennis anyway,” he posted on social media. He also updated his bio on X from ‘I play tennis’ to ‘I played tennis.’
Some adored him. Others took time to warm up to him but were eventually charmed. A few have never grasped his appeal.
“He’s been a class act for years in British and world tennis,” said Evans.
“He has addressed issues that many others shied away from. He’s a genuinely good person.”
