Andy Murray has dropped a major retirement hint after his limp exit from the Australian Open.
After his 6-4 6-2 6-2 defeat by Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the first round, Murray admitted it could be the ‘last time’ he graces the Melbourne crowd, with the tennis veteran turning 37-year-old in May.
Confessing in his press conference after the loss that he may well not be back, the three-time Grand Slam champion said: ‘It’s a definite possibility that will be the last time I play here. I think probably because of how the match went and everything.
‘While you’re playing the match, you’re obviously trying to control your emotions, focus on the points and everything. When you’re one point away from the end, you’re like, “I can’t believe this is over so quickly, and like this”.
‘In comparison to the matches that I played here last year, it’s the complete opposite feeling walking off the court.
Andy Murray has dropped a major retirement hint after his limp exit from the Australian Open
‘I wish I involved the crowd more. Just disappointed with the way I played and all of that stuff. (It’s a) tough, tough way to finish.’
Murray, having never won the Australian Open title, arrived at Melbourne Park with the hope of making it far in the tournament. He has lost three times in the final during his illustrious career.
His bitterly disappointing loss to Etcheverry marks Murray’s first first round exit since 2019, casting doubt over his ability to perform at the highest level in major tournaments.
Should the Scot decide to call time on his glittering career, this summer’s Wimbledon Championships – where he has triumphed twice – could be a poetic stage to retire on. The Paris Olympics may also present a feasible option.
More to follow.
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