( The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images )
Tennis World Pays Tribute to Andy Murray After Retirement Announcement
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.
Murray ended the emotional day with a hug from his mom Judy, according to his Instagram.
Murray is the first of tennis' Big Four men's singles players to announce his retirement.
