Andy Murray is giving Wimbledon an emotional farewell.
On Thursday, July 4, Murray, 37, and his brother, Jamie, lost their men’s double match on Centre Court at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, making one of the tennis champion’s final matches at Wimbledon.
Following Thursday’s match, the Olympics gold medalist — who is set to retire after this season — became visibly emotional during the post-match interview, which was preceded by a tribute featuring highlights from his career and time at Wimbledon tournament.
Afterward, during an interview with British journalist Sue Barker in front of fans and his family, Murray spoke about key moments from his tennis career, along with his thoughts on his pending retirement.
“It is hard because I would love to keep playing but I can’t,” he told Barker about saying goodbye to the sport. “Physically it’s just too tough now. All of the injuries have added up and like I said they haven’t been insignificant.”
“I want to play forever. I love this sport,” he continued. “It’s given me so much, taught me loads of lessons over the years that I can use for the rest of my life. I don’t want to stop so it is hard.”
Murray, who has been a fixture at Wimbledon for almost two decades, has experienced health issues in the past few years, including the removal of a cyst on his spine that took place on June 22, ESPN reported.
He initially told reporters that he was optimistic he would still be able to compete this summer following the procedure to close out his career. “I’m hoping that, with each day that passes, the likelihood of me being able to play will increase,” he told reporters, per the Associated Press.
“I mean, it’s impossible for me to say, because I also want to go out there and be able to play to a level that I’m happy with,” the two-time Wimbledon champion continued.
“I want to play forever. I love this sport,” he continued. “It’s given me so much, taught me loads of lessons over the years that I can use for the rest of my life. I don’t want to stop so it is hard.”
Murray, who has been a fixture at Wimbledon for almost two decades, has experienced health issues in the past few years, including the removal of a cyst on his spine that took place on June 22, ESPN reported.
He initially told reporters that he was optimistic he would still be able to compete this summer following the procedure to close out his career. “I’m hoping that, with each day that passes, the likelihood of me being able to play will increase,” he told reporters, per the Associated Press.
“I mean, it’s impossible for me to say, because I also want to go out there and be able to play to a level that I’m happy with,” the two-time Wimbledon champion continued.
Source people.com
