Clare Balding was visibly moved during a live broadcast as Andy Murray’s remarkable tennis career reached its conclusion on Thursday night.
The three-time Grand Slam champion and former World No 1 faced defeat alongside Dan Evans in the Olympic tennis doubles event against the USA’s Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz, losing in straight sets.
Murray had previously informed reporters that this tournament would mark the end of his professional tennis career as he looks forward to life after the sport.
His career came to a poignant close in Paris, and the emotional weight of the moment seemed overwhelming for BBC presenter Balding.
During the BBC’s coverage of the match, Balding remarked: ‘My word, hasn’t he demonstrated everything he stands for in the three matches he’s played here. It isn’t over until it’s over.’
Clare Balding broke down in tears on live TV after announcing Andy Murray’s Olympic exit
A tearful Murray waves to the crowd after playing the final match of his tennis career
Balding welled up before being handed a tissue by one of the BBC production crew
‘Sadly, in terms of his professional playing career, this is it, it’s over. All we can do is express our gratitude, thank you.’
There was a moment of silence in the studio, which caused Balding to become teary-eyed before her co-presenter Rebecca Adlington offered comfort.
She said: ‘Rebecca [Adlington], please say something,’ to which Adlington responded: ‘I’ve transferred all the tears to you. Don’t, you’re going to make me cry.’
Balding was subsequently provided with a tissue by a member of the BBC’s production team, marking a deeply emotional moment for the esteemed broadcaster.
Murray and Evans’ exhilarating victories in their dramatic opening matches at Roland Garros, where they saved seven match points, had become one of the highlights of the Games. However, a third match proved too challenging for them despite some late resistance.
After Evans’ final return sailed just long, he and Murray embraced, and then the Scot stepped into the spotlight amidst chants of ‘Andy, Andy,’ waving to all corners of Court Suzanne Lenglen before exiting the court for the last time.
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
Murray has struggled with physical issues since the hip injuries that nearly ended his career over five years ago in 2017.
There have been some memorable moments since, including an emotional final tour-level title in Antwerp in 2019, successes at a lower level on British grass last summer in front of his family, and several notable Grand Slam victories.
However, the return to the pinnacle of the sport that he desired never materialized, and Murray’s frustration with his physical limitations and the inexorable passage of time reached a tipping point.
Coming to terms with the end of his career has understandably been difficult for someone with such an inherent competitive drive.
Nevertheless, over the last few months, Murray has found peace with the notion that it’s time to transition into a new chapter of his life, mainly focused on his young family and pursuing golf.
Few doubt that at 37, he will find a way back into tennis, with a potential role as Davis Cup captain appearing likely at some point, while he expressed earlier this week his desire to be involved in the next Olympics in Los Angeles.
Just twenty-six days ago, Murray was bidding a heartfelt farewell to Wimbledon, surrounded by his brother and family in the stands.
That would have served as a fitting conclusion to his career, but having always thrived in team events, he desired one last opportunity at the Olympics—the stage where he famously defeated his main rivals, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, by winning consecutive singles gold medals.
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
Despite not finishing in a fairy-tale fashion, the nature of his two previous victories will remain a cherished farewell.
Fritz and Paul are both exceptional singles players—Paul faced Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals earlier—but were inexperienced in doubles.
Nevertheless, they quickly capitalized on the British duo’s serve, breaking both Evans and Murray as they surged to a 4-0 lead.
The crowd, heavily populated with British supporters seeking another miracle, found little to cheer about as Murray and Evans struggled until they faced match points again.
In a near-hopeless situation, they saved one match point when Paul served at 5-2, eventually breaking at the fifth opportunity, pushing Fritz to close out the match.
While the world number 12 maintained composure under the pressure, his powerful serve ensured that this was indeed the end.
This loss concludes British participation in Roland Garros, with Katie Boulter and Heather Watson having earlier fallen in their women’s doubles quarter-final, 6-3 6-1 to Italian third seeds Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini.
Murray won three Grand Slam singles titles during his career, including Wimbledon twice
Boulter aimed for the perfect birthday gift on her 28th but faced tough competition as Errani and Paolini had previously reached the French Open finals, outclassing the pair.
Boulter expressed afterwards that she and Watson have already marked Los Angeles 2028 in their calendars after enhancing their partnership, saying: ‘I’m super proud.’
‘I believe we have created wonderful memories together, and playing with the flag is something that I deeply value. I never take it for granted—it’s the reason I play tennis. I will always remember it.’
