- Andy Murray concluded his extraordinary tennis career on Thursday
- Murray and his Team GB partner Dan Evans faced defeat in the Olympic doubles quarter-final
- They lost 6-2 6-4 to the USA team of Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul at Paris 2024
Sir Andy Murray’s extraordinary tennis journey reached its conclusion on Thursday night, as he and his Team GB partner Dan Evans suffered a loss to the USA pairing of Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul in the Olympic quarter-finals.
At 37 years old, Murray had previously declared Paris 2024 as his final event before stepping away from the sport.
By withdrawing from the singles competition to concentrate on men’s doubles, Murray hinted at the possibility of a triumphant farewell.
After rallying from five match points to win against Japan in the opening round, Murray and Evans managed to save additional match points to defeat Belgium in their second encounter.
However, they faced a challenging match on Thursday, ultimately losing 6-2 6-4.
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 take on an Australian duo in the semi-finals
Fritz and Paul will next face Australia’s Matthew Ebden and John Peers in the semi-finals.
Throughout his career, Murray claimed three Grand Slam singles titles, including two at Wimbledon.
Murray also earned three Olympic medals for Great Britain—two golds in singles and a silver in mixed doubles at London 2012.
After the defeat on Thursday, Murray was seen in tears on the court, with Evans visibly emotional as well.
Fritz and Paul applauded as Murray made his heartfelt exit from the court.
Murray, who was knighted in 2019, will leave behind an immense legacy.
The Scot secured 46 singles titles during a career that saw him compete alongside tennis legends Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.
He achieved victories against members of this renowned trio on 29 separate occasions.
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
In 2016, Murray finished the year ranked World No 1, the same year he clinched his second Wimbledon title and became a double Olympic champion.
He achieved victory in 739 out of 1,001 matches on the ATP Tour and amassed $64,677,584 in prize earnings.
As Britain’s tennis icon, his career unfolded like a series of public spectacles.
His retirement was no different, prompting a significant response from the sporting community and beyond.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer tweeted on Thursday night: ‘Davis Cup, 2 Olympic golds and 3 Grand Slams. But beyond that, thanks @andy_murray for two decades of exceptional entertainment and sportsmanship. A true British legend.’
British tennis player Naomi Broady remarked on BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘The legacy Andy Murray leaves will continue to influence British tennis for years to come.’
Murray won three Grand Slam singles titles during his career, including Wimbledon twice
Two-time Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton expressed: ‘He has contributed immensely to British sport and the Olympics. I’ve had the honor of meeting Andy several times, and he has always embodied humility, determination, and kindness.’
‘His legacy is monumental as he steps away from the sport. He has poured his heart and soul into achieving greatness, and we are all thankful for that.’
‘Thank you, Andy Murray, for being such an inspiration.’
Presenter and author Greg James shared on social media: ‘It’s going to be hard watching tennis and not feeling anxious, isn’t it? Thank you, Andy Murray—it’s been a rollercoaster, but I’d not change a thing. I can’t even debate it; he’s our greatest ever sportsman.’
More updates to follow.
