Tennis legend Andy Murray is seen in tears at Wimbledon
Former World No. 1 Andy Murray played his final tennis match on the hallowed grass of Wimbledon. Murray will end his career this summer after the Olympics. We report on Murray's final Grand Slam match and look back on his impressive career.
Andy Murray Loses Final Match at Wimbledon
Andy Murray lost his final match at the 2024 Wimbledon Grand Slam in doubles with his brother Jamie Murray against Rinky Hijikata and John Peers in two sets 6-8 and 4-6. The Scot had to withdraw from the singles due to not being fit in time after a back operation.
However, the defeat on the Centre Court of Wimbledon was overshadowed. After the match, the audience gave Murray a fitting farewell from the big stage of tennis. Alongside his family, tennis legends like Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe, as well as his great rival Novak Djokovic, were present. Murray addressed some emotional words to the audience:
It feels like a good ending. Whether I deserve it or not, I don't know. [...] It's hard because I want to keep playing, but I can't. [...] Physically, it's too hard now. I want to play forever. I love the sport.– Andy Murray, Tennis Player, BBC**
The farewell on the Centre Court of Wimbledon was very emotional for Andy Murray and the audience in the stadium [Video in English]:
Emma Raducanu Withdraws from Mixed Doubles with Andy Murray
Besides Murray's doubles match with his brother, another mixed doubles match with British player Emma Raducanu [Link in English] was planned at the All England Club, one of the most famous tennis clubs in the world and the venue for the Wimbledon Grand Slams. Raducanu had to withdraw from the match due to hand wrist problems after her Wimbledon win against Greek player Maria Sakkari:
I'm disappointed because I was really looking forward to playing with Andy, but I have to be careful.– Emma Raducanu, Tennis Player, BBC**
Andy Murray: A Look Back at a Great Tennis Career
Andy Murray looks back on an impressive tennis career. He was born on May 15, 1987, in Glasgow, Scotland, and started playing tennis at the age of three. His mother Judy was his first coach and later entered him in many local tennis tournaments.
At the age of 15, Murray moved to Barcelona alone to train at the famous Sánchez-Casal Academy and improve his tennis skills. Among his coaches in Spain were former tennis pros Emilio Sánchez and Sergio Casal.
Murray's Debut in Professional Tennis and Early Successes
Murray made his debut on the ATP Tour as a professional in 2005. In the same year, he also played at Wimbledon for the first time, receiving a wildcard and not having to qualify.
Murray made a name for himself as a young professional with strong performances and even reached the third round of the tournament. He won his first ATP Tour title at the ATP Masters in San José, California, in 2006.
Wimbledon Win and Olympic Gold Medalist
In 2008, Murray reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open, where he lost to tennis legend Roger Federer. In 2012, he won an Olympic gold medal and in 2013, he won his first Grand Slam title in a thrilling final against Novak Djokovic (7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2) at the US Open.
He was the first British tennis player since Fred Perry in 1936 to win the prestigious hardcourt tournament in the USA. Murray also set a record at the 2016 Olympics by winning his second consecutive gold medal, becoming the only British tennis player to achieve this feat.
Murray's greatest career achievement came in 2013 when he won Wimbledon, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final 6-4, 7-5, 6-4. This made him the first British winner since 1936. He repeated this success in 2016, winning Wimbledon again and taking the lead in the ATP tennis rankings.
Andy Murray advocates for gender equality in tennis
Andy Murray has been a strong advocate for gender equality in tennis. In 2017, he corrected a reporter who referred to tennis player Sam Querrey as the first American to reach a Wimbledon semifinal since 2009, ignoring the achievements of female players. Murray highlighted the success of American players Serena and Venus Williams, noting their significant contributions to the sport. Serena Williams even considered playing mixed doubles with Murray as one of her career highlights.
Murray's popularity among British fans is not solely due to his on-court successes. Despite winning three Grand Slams and two Olympic gold medals, he has remained grounded, allowing British fans to relate to him. His likable media appearances and advocacy for equality and charitable causes have made him one of Britain's most popular sports figures.
Throughout his career, Murray faced numerous injuries and surgeries, ultimately leading to his retirement from professional tennis. He is one of the most successful British tennis players of all time and will be remembered fondly by fans.
The News of Andy Murray's emotional farewell on the Centre Court of Wimbledon was widely covered.
Despite his retirement, Murray continues to advocate for gender equality in tennis.
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