Tennis World Pays Tribute to Andy Murray After Retirement Announcement

Nick Kyrgios, Juan Martín del Potro and others offered support to Murray over Twitter.

( The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images )

The world offered messages of thanks and encouragement to Andy Murray after he announced his retirement due to chronic hip pain in a press conference before the Australian Open. 

The three-time Grand Slam champion held back tears as he announced that his "endpoint" will be this year's Wimbledon, if he can keep playing that long. Murray has undergone a lengthy recovery process from his hip injury and has struggled with his movement and pain in the last year.

Murray said he would play the Australian Open, where he is scheduled to face No. 22 seed Roberto Bautista Agut. In 2013, Murray became the first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years. He has also won two Olympic gold medals and was formerly the No. 1 in the world. Murray underwent hip surgery in Jan. 2018 and has been attempting to make a full comeback to the tour since then.

Nick Kyrgios posted a tribute to Murray on Facebook where he described himself as Murray's younger brother:

"Andy, I know you take me for a joker most of the time, but at least hear me out on this one old friend. You will always be someone that impacted the sport in so many different ways, I know this was never the way you wanted to go out, but hey it was a heck of a ride. You took me under your wing as soon as I got on tour, and to this day you have been someone I literally just look forward to seeing. You are one crazy tennis player, miles better than me, but I just want you to know that today isn’t only a sad day for you and your team, it’s a sad day for the sport and for everyone you’ve had an impact on. Which leaves me big fella.. these are a couple photos, that should make you smile and think, I was actually a little bit of a younger brother to you. Anyways, I just want you to know, and I’m sure you already do, everyone wants you to keep fighting and to keep being you. Goodluck at the Australian Open muzz, I’ll be behind you."

The world offered an outpouring of support and well-wishes for Murray on Twitter.

Congrats @andy_murray for all your achievements all these years. It was great to play against you all these years. Good luck with everything! https://t.co/BaOsYZ5KTo

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) January 11, 2019

Andy, just watched your conference. 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. 🙏

— Juan M. del Potro (@delpotrojuan) January 11, 2019

Andy, I know you take me for a joker most of the time, but at least hear me out on this one old friend. You will always be someone that impacted the sport in so many different ways, I know this was never the way... https://t.co/svPgWO9ONV

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 11, 2019

Andy Murray has had a fantastic career and time and time again has made this nation proud. We all hope we can see much more of him playing this year and when he does finish, he will be remembered as one of the best and most successful athletes of his or any generation.

— Theresa May (@theresa_may) January 11, 2019

.@andy_murray You are a champion on and off the court. 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. https://t.co/AQUOP3LGec

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 11, 2019

.@andy_murray is a great champion who I have the utmost admiration for.
I’ve enjoyed following his stellar career, he is truly one of the greats of our game & a lovely bloke! Arise Sir Andy. I applaud you & wish you well in all your future endeavours.
Rocket

— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 11, 2019

Thank you for being such an inspiration @andy_murray 🙏

Your hard work and perseverance taught me so much.

Hopefully you get to retire on our favourite court @wimbledon.

We will all be cheering for you these next few months 👏 pic.twitter.com/EyYy2z71Ii

— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) January 11, 2019

Nobody has done more for British tennis than you and it looks like nobody will for many years to come. You have been an inspiration, friend and role model to me from the get go and I thank you for everything. Hope to see you out there for as long as possible @andy_murray 🎾 pic.twitter.com/xkxUXf1lOb

— Kyle Edmund (@kyle8edmund) January 11, 2019

Tennis will come to an end for us all but the friendships will last a lifetime. What you’ve done for the sport will live on forever. I’m hoping for a strong and healthy finish for you, my friend! @andy_murray pic.twitter.com/Bcs0cdllJp

— Grigor Dimitrov (@GrigorDimitrov) January 11, 2019

When you search for examples of “emptied the bucket to be as good as they could be” there should be a picture of Andy Murray sitting under that quote. Remarkable discipline for training, competition, sacrifice, perfection, a little crazy 😃 but a legend of a bloke. Bravo Andy 👏

— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) January 11, 2019

To Andy,

Whatever happens next, you've done more than you know.#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/0eJFHVpALG

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) January 11, 2019

Murray ended the emotional day with a hug from his mom Judy, according to his Instagram.

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Murray is the first of tennis' Big Four men's singles players to announce his retirement.