Andy Murray retires from professional tennis

The 37-year-old has called it a day on his 19-year career following his Men's Doubles performance in Paris

Author: Gabriel AntoniazziPublished 1st Aug 2024

Andy Murray will retire from professional tennis after losing out to American duo Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul at the 2024 Olympics Games.

It was a tense final few moments but the pair conceded 6-2 6-4 at the Roland Garros stadium.

The former world number one won three Grand Slams and two Olympic gold medals across a 19-year career.

One of the UK’s greatest-ever athletes, Murray ended a 77-year wait for a British male champion by winning Wimbledon in 2013.

The 37-year-old was plagued by injuries in his final seasons but he did make a farewell appearance at this summer’s Wimbledon, playing in the men's and mixed doubles.

Andy Murray: A tennis star from early on

Murray began playing tennis in his hometown of Dunblane at the age of three with his mother Judy, and elder brother Jamie.

He moved to Spain at the age of 15 to pursue his dream of reaching the top level of the sport, eventually turning professional in 2005 and taking part in his first major championship at Wimbledon.

The Scot began a regular on the ATP circuit and began to improve year on year in the Grand Slams.

He quickly became the British No.1, a title he would hold for over a decade.

In 2008 Murray won his first tour events in Cincinnati and Shanghai, before he reached his first Slam final, losing the US Open final against Roger Federer in straight sets.

By that time, Murray was established as one of the best players in the world and reached his first Australian Open final in 2010.

Edging closer every year, Murray tearfully lost the 2012 Wimbledon final at the All England Club to Roger Federer.

However, he returned to the famous court just three weeks later, winning gold at the London 2012 Olympics.

Andy Murray: Becoming a champion

Boosted by his first big victory, Murray headed to the US Open with new-found confidence.

He won his first Grand Slam by beating Novak Djokovic in five sets at Flushing Meadows, becoming the first British men’s slam winner since Fred Perry.

After his impressive year, Murray was expected to kick-on in 2013.

After overcoming a hip injury, he finally became Wimbledon champion, beating his Serbian counterpart once again, this time in straight sets.

Murray was the first Scot of either sex to win a singles title there since 1896.

Two years later came more success with his country.

Alongside his brother, he led Great Britain to their first Davis Cup title since 1936, their tenth overall.

2016 was another golden year for Scotland’s golden boy – Murray defeated Milos Raonic in the Wimbledon final and defended his Olympic title in Rio de Janeiro.

By the end of the year Murray was the world number one, the first ever Briton to achieve the feat, and stayed there for 41 weeks.

A final farewell from Andy Murray

Andy Murray was knighted in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to tennis and charity, making him the UK's youngest knight, at 29.

Injuries played a big part in his later years, with hip and ankle problems reoccurring and causing him chronic pain.

Murray underwent two separate hip operations within 18 months, with early retirement a real consideration.

In typical fashion he battled back, winning his first title in two years in the 2019 European Masters.

After tennis was hit by a COVID-19 shutdown, Murray continued to battle injuries and dips in form, reaching an ATP final in 2022.

At the 2023 Australian Open he came from behind to beat Thanasi Kokkinakis in 5 hours and 45 minutes, the longest match in Murray's career.

He appeared in both the Australian and French Opens in 2024, losing in the first round.

After a surgery on a cyst in his back, Murray did not enter the singles at Wimbledon this year.

He did play in the men’s and mixed doubles, making his final bow at SW19.

Andy Murray's incredible legacy

Murray ends his career having played over 1000 singles matches, winning 739games, 46 ATP Tour singles titles, three Grand Slams, two Olympic gold medals and one Davis Cup.

He will be remembered as a key part of the male tennis’ greatest ever era, with the big four of Murray, Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer dominating the courts for over a decade.

And of course, as one of Scotland’s greatest ever sportspeople.

Andy Murray's incredible career

A young Andy Murray

A young Andy Murray with his Mum, Judy, preparing to join the tennis circuit.

Murray at the 2010 Australian Open

Murray reached his first Grand Slam final at the 2010 Australian Open but was defeated.

Murray at Wimbledon in 2012

Murray was emotional after losing his first Wimbledon final in 2012.

Murray wins gold at London 2012

Murray arrived back at the All England Tennis Club one month later, winning gold at London 2012.

Murray wins the 2012 US Open

Murray lifted his first Grand Slam later that year, winning the US Open.

Murray wins his first Wimbledon

Murray became the first British male player to win Wimbledon since 1936, beating Novak Djokovic in 2013.

The Murray Brothers

Andy and his brother, Jamie, were key for Great Britain as they won the 2015 Davis Cup.

World Number One

Murray reached first place in the world rankings in 2016 and stayed there for 41 weeks.

Murray wins Wimbledon again

Murray won his second Wimbledon title, and final Grand Slam, in 2016.

Murray in 2024

Murray waved goodbye to the Australian Open crowd after being knocked out in January 2024.

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