‘There will only be ever be one Andy Murray… thanx for the memories’: Fans pay tribute to Brit during Australian Open during first-round defeat by Roberto Bautista Agut as brother Jamie and mum Judy watched on
He may be thousands of miles away from home but Andy Murray recieved fantastic support from the Australian Open crowd during his first-round defeat by Roberto Bautista Agut in five sets.
The British tennis legend announced last week that he plans to retire from the sport at Wimbledon if his troublesome hip can hold out until then.
However, the three-time Grand Slam winner also conceded that the Australian Open could be his last-ever tournament due to the severity of the injury.
Andy Murray was given a rapturous reception during his Australian Open first-round clash
Murray stepped out on to the Melbourne Arena in possibly his final ever professional match
The 31-year-old revealed before the tournament that he plans on retiring this year due to injury
Support inside the Melbourne Arena was evident – as this banner showed for the British legend
And as a result of that news, supporters flocked into the Melbourne Arena on Monday to show their appreciation for Murray – including his mum Judy and older brother Jamie. His wife Kim is believed to be in the UK looking after their two young children Sophia and Edie.
As he walked out on to court a huge roar greeted the arrival of the Scot, who waved to the crowd and stuck a thumb in the air, presumably determined to soak it all in.
His opponent, Agut, is known as one of the fittest and grittiest competitors on tour and was sure to give Murray’s hip a stern examination.
However, the Spaniard was up against fervent support which was evident around the arena with banners and flags backing Murray.
Murray’s brother Jamie and mum Judy were in attendance for his match on Monday
One banner listed Murray’s incredible achievements – which includes three Grand Slams
‘There will only be ever be one Andy Murray… thanx for the memories,’ read one while another read: ‘Andy Murray, 2 Wimbledon’s, 1 US Open, 1 Davis Cup, 2 Olympic gold medals, legend!’
Despite being in Australia, numerous Scotland flag were also evident in support of the 31-year-old as well as Scotland football shirts.
Murray was hoping to give them something to cheer about and he did that by winning the third and fourth set after losing the opening two.
However, Agut regrouped to win the fifth set and scrape through to the second round after triumphing 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (4-7), 6-2.
Several Scotland flags were held high in support for the two-time Olympic gold medallist
Scotland football shirts were also on show during his match with Roberto Bautista Agut