Scottish tennis player, Andy Murray, has emotionally revealed that this year’s Wimbledon tournament is likely to be the swansong of his incredibly successful international tennis career. Murray has won three Grand Slam singles titles, including the 2012 US Open and the 2013 and 2016 Wimbledon singles titles. Murray’s 2013 Wimbledon victory meant he became the first British winner of the men’s singles tournament since Fred Perry in 1936.
Despite his illustrious career, it appears Murray will not be able to bow out on his own terms, having struggled with a serious hip injury since 2013. The chronic injury has been particularly bad since 2017, which has seen Murray’s world ranking slump to 240.
Murray was forced to withdraw from the 2018 Australian Open, citing his hip pain as almost unbearable. He subsequently underwent surgery in January of that year; however, the Scot did admit that the chances of the surgery fixing the problem were not particularly high. Unfortunately, it appears those words have become true.
In a media conference before the 2019 tournament, which is set to begin on the 14th of January, Murray has confirmed that he intends to play in the tournament. However, he has conceded that it could be his final Grand Slam if the pain proves too unbearable.
Murray was forced to leave mid-way through the conference to regain his composure, such has been the emotional toll. Moreover, the former world number one admitted that the chronic injury had been detracting from his enjoyment for the sport.
Despite his career not ending on his own terms, Murray has had an incredible tennis career. He spent 41 weeks as the number 1 ranked male tennis player in the world and currently has 45 career singles titles. The Scotsman has two Olympic gold medals to add to his trophy cabinet, along with two doubles titles with his brother, Jamie.
What will likely pain Murray the most is the fact that he was never able to clinch victory at the Australian Open, instead falling short as runner-up on five separate occasions. However, his 11 Grand Slam finals appearances and Davis Cup glory with Great Britain in 2015 will certainly ease that disappointment.