Andy Murray says he is happy about his approaching retirement and feels it is the right time to finish his career despite struggling with the decision over the past few months.
“I’ll feel good,” Murray said in Paris about the emotions he expects after playing his final point. “I wasn’t sure that’s how I would feel a few months ago, to be honest. I was unsure about it. I had a lot of conversations with my family, with my wife about it.
“I didn’t feel that way a few months ago when I thought this was when I was going to stop. I didn’t really want to, whereas now I want to and I know that it’s the right time for me. So I’ll feel good about it.”
Over the past few months Murray had indicated that he planned to finish his career at the Olympics, a decision the 37-year-old confirmed on Tuesday after arriving in Paris.
Murray, a two‑time Olympic gold medallist in singles and a silver medallist in mixed doubles, is entered into singles and doubles alongside Dan Evans, but he says he does not think he will compete in singles again: “I need to make that decision this evening. But I don’t think so. Obviously, me and Dan have made the commitment to each other that that was what we would prioritise.”
Murray said his back is feeling significantly better after two more weeks of recovery from the surgery he underwent four weeks ago, but it is still not strong enough for him to compete in singles and doubles.
“Since we’ve been here, we’ve been practising and playing doubles sets together,” he said. “That gives the team and us the best opportunity to win a medal realistically. My back is still not perfect and the potential of playing two matches in the day is maybe not the best.”
After the touching scenes of Murray playing his final match alongside his brother, Jamie, his Wimbledon career ended under less ideal circumstances after Emma Raducanu withdrew from their scheduled mixed doubles match as a precaution before her singles fourth‑round tie.
In the aftermath of Raducanu’s withdrawal Murray’s mother, Judy, came under fire for posts on social media that were interpreted as critical of Raducanu. Murray said his mother was merely being supportive in an emotional moment and he had no issue with Raducanu’s withdrawal: “Everyone is going to look out for their best interests and what it is that they’re doing. I understand that and I don’t have an issue with that.”
As he looks to divert his time to other passions, Murray said he intends to spend time at home with his family for the immediate future and will devote himself to becoming a scratch golfer.
after newsletter promotion
“I don’t know exactly what the rest of my life will look like. I’ll still stay in touch with the sport. I don’t see that changing – my love for the sport won’t go away. I definitely see myself being involved in tennis. I would love to be part of the next Olympics in some capacity.”
Jannik Sinner, the world No 1, has been forced to withdraw from the Olympics after being diagnosed with tonsillitis. Sinner, who would have been the top seed in singles and doubles alongside Lorenzo , started to feel ill on Monday and his condition has since worsened.
“I’m extremely sad and disappointed,” Sinner said. “Competing at the Olympic Games was one of my main goals for this season.”
Source: theguardian.com
