Former grand slam champions are among the figures urging soon to be retired Andy Murray to keep fighting on the tour.
Murray has confirmed that he will retire from the sport in 2019 with the possibility of next week’s Australian Open being his final tournament. The Brit has been hindered by a hip injury, which required surgery 12 months ago, for almost two years. The announcement brings to the end a career that has broken numerous records in the sport.
Juan Martin del Potro, whose own career has also been blighted by injury issues, has urged Murray to end his career ’on his own terms.’ The Argentine has undergone multiple wrist surgeries and is currently recovering from a knee injury.
“Please don’t stop trying. Keep fighting. I can imagine your pain and sadness. I hope you can overcome this. You deserve to retire on your own terms, whenever that happens. We love you @andy_murray and we want to see you happy and doing well.” Del Potro wrote on Twitter.
A similar sentiment has been expressed by world No.6 Kevin Anderson. The South African has played Murray eight times of the tour, but has lost six of those meetings.
“My thoughts are with @andy_murrayand I really hope we continue to see you fighting on court so you can retire on your own terms. Get well soon… Tennis is better with you.”
Fellow Davis Cup team mate Kyle Edmund has paid his own tribute. Last year the 24-year-old ended Murray’s 12-year streak as British No.1. Speaking to reporters in Melbourne, Edmund described the 31-year-old as ‘his biggest role model.’ Later adding that he regards him as one of the greatest British athletes of all time.
“For me he’s been my biggest role model out of any tennis player. He’s Britain’s greatest tennis player ever and you could say maybe Britain’s best sportsman ever.” Said Edmund.
“To be able to have had the experiences that I’ve had with him and memories in terms of training with him and getting to know him personally and seeing what he’s done on the court and achieved, he’s definitely helped my career.”
The support for equality
Throughout his career, Murray has been a vocal supporter of equal rights between men and woman. Saying previously that he doesn’t want his children to be discriminated against because of their gender. He made headlines when he previously appointed Amelie Mauresmo as his coach at a time when it was rare for a female to coach to top player on the ATP Tour. He also once called out a journalist at Wimbledon who overlooked the women’s game when asking a question to him.
“There have been so many examples of when he has stood up for us – not just for women’s tennis but women in general.” Said Johanna Konta.
“He has also been blessed with two daughters and I think he’s grown up with a really strong female role model with his mum and now his wife is also a strong character so he is surrounded by great, strong women.
“He has put that through in the way he has voiced his opinions and the way he has tackled some questions and issues that have arisen and I think everybody has always been very appreciative of him.”
Konta isn’t along is her praise for Murray. Andrea Petkovic has said Murray’s retirement is a ‘blow’ to the WTA Tour. Highlighting the importance of having men’s speak up for the right of their female counterparts.
“He was always my favourite, and I think it will be a huge loss for tennis in general, but also for the WTA. Because even nowadays, when you think everything is equal, you still need men, especially successful men, to speak up for women.” Petkovic told reporters.
WTA founder and multiple grand slam champion Billie Jean King believes Murray has a bright future beyond tennis. Although it is currently unclear as to what he will do.
“You are a champion on and off the court.” King wrote on Twitter. “So sorry you cannot retire on your own terms, but remember to look to the future. Your greatest impact on the world may be yet to come. Your voice for equality will inspire future generations. Much love to you & your family.”
Murray will play Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of the Australian Open next week.
