Andy Murray announces farewell from competitive tennis

The three-time grand slam champion has confirmed the Paris Games will be his "last ever tennis tournament" in a post on social media. 

The 37-year-old, who is the only man to have won two Olympic gold medals in tennis, said on Instagram: "Arrived in Paris for my last ever tennis tournament @Olympics 

"Competing for Team GB have been by far the most memorable weeks of my career and I'm extremely proud to get do it one final time!"

Murray, who was knighted in 2017 for his services to tennis and charity, was hailed by International Tennis Federation chief Dave Haggerty for his contributions.

"Sir Andy has lived and breathed the values of tennis throughout his long career, championing equality and helping to send the message that our sport is for everyone," Haggerty said.

"We will of course remember his two Olympic golds; his grand slam wins and his never-say-die attitude on the court. We will also remember his Davis Cup victory with Great Britain in 2015, helping his team to the title for the first time since 1936.

"While this wonderful chapter of his career is now drawing to a close, we know that Sir Andy's love of tennis will see him continue to be involved in helping to grow and develop our sport globally."

The injury-plagued former star bid an emotional farewell at this year's Wimbledon, the venue where he won two major titles, following a doubles defeat partnering his brother Jamie.

Murray, who underwent surgery on June 22 to remove a spinal cyst which was compressing his nerves and made him lose control and power in his right leg, had decided he was not fit enough for the demands of singles competition at the All England Club.

The tennis competition at the Olympics begins on July 27 and Murray will be playing both singles and doubles.

Murray resurrected his career after having hip-resurfacing surgery in 2019 but has since struggled to make the latter stages of leading tournaments.

with Reuters

Australian Associated Press