Andy Murray goes for a practice hit and signs autographs as he prepares for possible curtain call against Roberto Bautista-Agut in Melbourne
Andy Murray was out on the practice courts at Melbourne Park just hours before what could prove to be the final match of his glittering career.
The former world No 1 announced last week that he is set to retire, but a chronic hip injury could force him to call it a day before his planned Wimbledon homecoming.
Murray faces a tough opponent in the shape of No 22 seed Roberto Bautista Agut in his bid to make the second-round.
Andy Murray was out on the practice court in Melbourne Park before his first-round match
The former world No 1 signed autographs as he makes his possible farewell appearance
He looked in good spirits as he signed autographs for fans who watched him train alongside his coaching team.
Tributes have poured in for Murray from around the tennis world as he announced he could no longer play through the pain barrier.
Defending Australian Open champion Roger Federer joined in the chorus and admitted the news has caused shockwaves in the locker room.
‘Of course, it hits us top guys hard because we know Andy very well,’ he said on Sunday.
Murray practices his net game ahead of his potential curtain call at the Australian Open
Murray receives a fist bump from his trainer as he gets set to play through the pain on Monday
‘We like him. He doesn’t have many enemies, to be quite honest. He’s a good guy, Hall of Famer, legend.
‘I was disappointed and sad, a little bit shocked, to know now that we’re going to lose him at some point, but we’re going to lose everybody at some point. It’s just now that it’s definite.’
‘Of course, I hope that he can play a good Australian Open and he can keep playing beyond that, really finish the way he wants to at Wimbledon.’
The 31-year-old appeared in good spirits as he prepared to face Roberto Bautista Agut
Murray wrapped a towel around his neck to deal with the sweltering conditions in Melbourne