Andy Murray Was Told He Would Miss The Olympics But Fought To End His Career On His Terms - UBITENNIS

Andy Murray Was Told He Would Miss The Olympics But Fought To End His Career On His Terms

By Adam Addicott
6 Min Read
ubitennis

Up until the final tournament of his career, Andy Murray continued to defy the odds with his determination.

The British former world No.1 played his final match at the Olympic Games on Thursday evening when he and Dan Evans were beaten in straight sets by the American duo of Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul. The defeat sent Britain’s most decorated tennis player of all time into retirement. Murray has won 46 ATP titles during his career, including three Grand Slams, the Tour Finals, and 14 Masters 1000 events. He is the only player to have won back-to-back Olympic gold medals in men’s singles. He was also the first to win a Grand Slam, the ATP World Tour Finals, the men’s singles at the Olympic Games and a Masters title in the same calendar year.

Approaching the closing stages of his career, there had been doubts that the Brit would be able to end it how he wanted. Earlier this year at Queens he retired from his match and later underwent a surgical procedure which enabled him to continue playing this summer. Although few were aware of the challenges that he faced. 

“When I wasn’t able to walk properly and my leg wasn’t functioning properly, I was told if the cyst continues to grow and puts more pressure on the nerves it could turn into like an emergency situation where you can’t control your bladder and you’ll lose control of the other leg,” Murray said during his final post-match press briefing.

“That’s kind of when I knew it was it was time (to retire).

“The rehab process got fast-tracked to try and play at Wimbledon and here (at the Olympics).

“A few months ago, I was told when I first went to have my scan on my back and the issue that I had with it, that I wouldn’t be playing at the Olympics and I wouldn’t be playing at Wimbledon.”

Murray has fought to continue playing throughout his entire career. It was five years ago when speculation started to mount that he would be forced to call it a day due to a serious hip problem. However, he underwent resurfacing surgery in 2018, which involved inserting a metal rod into his joint. When he returned to the Tour Murray was never the player he was but through sheer determination, he still managed to win another ATP trophy and return to the top 100. A true illustration of his dedication to the sport. 

“I was emotional because it was the last time I will play a competitive match.” He said of his exit from the Olympics.

“But genuinely I am happy now. I’m happy with how it’s finished. I’m glad that it got to go out here at the Olympics and finish on my terms because at times in the last few years that wasn’t a certainty.”

“I feel also lucky that I got that opportunity to play here (at the Olympics) and have some, some great matches, amazing memories.”

The importance of the Olympics in tennis differs among players but Murray always dedicated himself to the event and took pride in representing his country. Paris was the fifth Games he has played at. Besides his two gold medals, he won a silver in the mixed doubles with Laura Robson in 2012. 

“Being part of something bigger than then yourself, being around all of the athletes, chatting to some amazing people that can do incredible things. They have brilliant stories.” He said of playing in the Olympics.

“I love living in the village and living with people from pretty much every country in the world that can somehow eat, sleep, train and get along. It’s it’s really quite special.

“It’s very different to, to anything that I’ve experienced and the rest of my career and that’s, that’s what I’m going to miss.”

Murray’s exit from the sport will leave a massive hole in British tennis considering his achievements. He is the only player from the country to reach No.1 on the ATP Tour and is the only man to have won a major title in the Open Era. 

On the other hand, his legacy will go on but in a somewhat different format. The 37-year-old has previously stated that he imagines himself to be involved in tennis for the rest of his life in some capacity. 

“I don’t know what I’m going to do next.” He said. 

“I’ll be away from the sport certainly for the next few months, maybe longer. Be at home and assess what my options areand see what I fancy doing.

“I’m sure after a few months there’ll be some options and I’ll think of a few things I might like to do, but I don’t think it’ll be a journalist.”

Murray has been through a lot since making his Grand Slam debut at the 2005 Wimbledon Championships with plenty of highs and lows. He leaves the sport with his head held high knowing he has left behind a legacy that many players can only dream of achieving.  

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