The Prime Minister has led tributes to Andy Murray following his exit from the Olympic men’s doubles quarter-finals, marking the end of his illustrious tennis career. Murray had announced before the summer’s Games that this would be his final tournament. His hopes for a medal-winning farewell were dashed by a 6-2, 6-4 defeat to American duo Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.
Murray, who made his professional debut 21 years ago and burst onto the scene at Wimbledon 19 years ago as a wild-haired teenager, retires with an impressive record. He has won three Grand Slam singles titles, two Olympic Gold medals, and one Davis Cup, achieving these feats during one of the most competitive eras in men’s tennis. He also attained the world’s number-one ranking.
This evening, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted some of Murray’s career achievements: “But more than that, thanks @andy_murray for two decades of phenomenal entertainment and sportsmanship. A true British great.” The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) also honoured Murray’s “incredible career” following his retirement.
Just 26 days ago, Murray bid an emotional farewell to Wimbledon on Centre Court, accompanied by his brother, with family and friends in attendance. Though it would have been a fitting end to his career, Murray, who has always thrived in team competitions, aimed for one last Olympic appearance, a stage where he outshone rivals Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic by winning consecutive singles golds.
Murray has faced physical challenges since hip problems nearly ended his career in 2017. Despite this, he achieved notable successes, including an emotional final tour-level title in Antwerp in 2019 and victories on British grass last summer. However, he never fully returned to the top tier of the game, leading to frustration with his limitations and the passage of time.
Many anticipate that the 37-year-old will remain involved in tennis, potentially as a Davis Cup captain, and he has expressed a desire to participate in the next Olympics in Los Angeles. His two victories in the Paris Olympics provided a memorable farewell, even if it wasn’t the fairy-tale ending he had envisioned.
Fritz and Paul, both top-class singles players though inexperienced in doubles, quickly dominated the British pair’s serves, breaking both Evans and Murray to secure a 4-0 lead early in the match.
