Tenis
Andy Murray shed a tear. Dan Evans started crying. Clare Balding, a TV broadcaster for the BBC, started crying too.
Following the conclusion of Murray’s remarkable career at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, a flood of emotions was witnessed.
Murray, his British teammates, and the thousands of loving fans chanting his name at Roland Garros all felt it.
The fact that one of its sports idols would never be allowed to play professionally again was also felt throughout the country, and Balding’s response likely captured the sentiments of many who have followed this British hero throughout the years.
Murray stated, “Obviously, it was emotional because it’s the last time I will play a competitive match,” to the cheers of his mother Judy who was also present.
But right now, I’m actually delighted. I’m pleased with how it turned out.”
Naturally, Murray is accustomed to expressing his emotions in public.
The most well-known instance of his winning over more British people was when he sobbed on Wimbledon’s Centre Court following his defeat by Roger Federer in the 2012 championship.
Before the tears started to fall, he stated to Sue Barker on the court after the match that day, “This isn’t going to be easy.”
Prior to that, he broke down in tears after Roger Federer defeated him in the Australian Open final in 2010 and said, “It’s a shame I can’t play like him.”
More tears followed injuries once he did win that Grand Slam trophy, and two more after that.
He fought through hip agony at the 2018 Washington Open, crying furiously under his towel.
Murray broke down in a pre-tournament news conference on the eve of the 2019 Australian Open, revealing that he could have to retire due to an upcoming hip resurfacing surgery, which he believed would end his career.
After attempting to salvage as much of his comeback as possible, five and a half years later, Murray was ultimately happy to hang up the bat.
It’s been quite difficult. “I feel bad physically, in terms of pain,” he remarked.
“I can certainly get on the court and perform at a competitive level physically.
Here, we were on the verge of qualifying for the medal rounds. That’s alright, but I’m glad to be finished because my body is in pain and suffering.
“If I persisted and didn’t give up, you would eventually get hurt and your career might be over.
“I know that now is the right time and physically.”
A thoughtful Murray confessed how difficult the last three months had been for him after the first tears at Roland Garros had dried.
What was originally set to be his final season was thrown off course by an ankle injury sustained in March. When he eventually managed to race again, his participation in an emotional farewell to Wimbledon was jeopardised because he required back surgery to remove a cyst.
Murray had long since acknowledged that a “perfect ending” was improbable for him, but he also acknowledged that he “fast-tracked his rehab” in order to compete in the Olympics.
“I’m glad I got to go out here and finish on my terms,” he stated.
“That wasn’t always a given in the past few years.
“I was informed that I would not be competing in the Olympics or Wimbledon when I initially went to have my back scanned for the problem I was having.
“So I feel lucky I got that opportunity to play here and have some great matches and create amazing memories.”
Murray is many different things to many individuals, many of whom are strangers: All-around lovely guy with acerbically sharp humour; sports icon who has pushed British tennis to new heights; champion for gender equality in a male-dominated sport.
Shortly after he’d finished talking to the reporters, the droll side of him resurfaced.
In any case, he never really enjoyed tennis, he posted on social media. ‘I play tennis’ had been replaced with ‘I played tennis’ in his X account bio.
A few people adored him. He was eventually won over by those who never understood him. Some never really understood him.
“He’s a class act and has been for years for British tennis and world tennis,” Evans added.
“He has voiced opinions on topics that others would not. He is a decent man.”
Andy Murray and Dan Evans share a hug following their loss in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Murray’s accolades from a diverse range of supporters serve as a barometer.
The best player of all time, Novak Djokovic, has known Murray since they were 12 years old and competing on the junior circuit.
The Serb, who was born in May 1987, one week after Murray, declared, “I have only praise for him.”
He is among the greatest warriors in tennis history and a fierce opponent on the court.
“Many generations to come will be inspired by his unwavering spirit.” Despite the fact that we are the same age, he inspires me.”
At the age of 21, Carlos Alcaraz, a four-time major winner from Spain, is stepping up to replace the generation of superstars who came before him. He expressed his “pleasure” at playing with Murray on the court.
“It’s great to hear about your remarkable career and how you inspire everyone. Here, you have an eternal admirer,” he penned.
In addition to his contemporaries, admirers and dignitaries from all around the tennis globe paid tribute to him, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“Many thanks to Andy Murray for two decades of incredible sportsmanship and enjoyment. A superb British man,” wrote Starmer.
Shortly after Murray bid adieu, the Lawn Tennis Association declared that the main court at Queen’s Club would now be known as the Andy Murray Arena.
It was quickly followed by a reminder that it had just pledged £5 million to “deliver a landmark facility” in Dunblane, Murray’s hometown.
There will be more tributes in the upcoming years.
Evans made a joke about how he “could not stomach” a statue of Murray being erected at Wimbledon; the All England Club has recently discussed and debated this concept frequently.
“He’ll have one someplace in Scotland and most likely at Wimbledon. I’ll tell you what, he deserves to be called a “sir,” Evans smiled happily.
Regardless of the lasting impression of Murray’s career and his future endeavours, one thing that is certain is that British tennis, and indeed sport in general, will be a less enjoyable place in his absence.
