“In any case, I have never liked tennis“. With these words, Andy Murray tried to lighten the mood after his painful farewell to tennis following his last match at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The British tennis icon, former world number one in the ATP rankings, played alongside Dan Evans in the men’s doubles tournament at the Games, thrilling the crowd in the first two rounds against the Japanese duo Daniel/Nishikori and the Flemish pair Gille/Vliegen, with his usual spectacular comebacks. However, in the quarter-finals, the Americans Fritz/Paul halted Sr. Andy’s journey, delivering a two-set victory that marked the swan song for the Scot.
Murray, retirement and emotion in Paris
Andy Murray, usually a man of steel, let himself cry with emotion at the end of the match alongside Dan Evans at the Paris Olympics. After witnessing the defeat by 6-2, 6-4 at the hands of Fritz/Paul, the number 3 seeds, the Glasgow tennis player must have thought and rethought all his legendary moments in the major circuit and his two Olympic gold medals between London 2012 and Rio 2016. Tears of joy and pain together, a standing ovation from the Parisian audience present at Suzanne Lenglen: a tribute to a lifetime of achievements on the tennis courts. The sports world will not forget Murray, a true fighter amidst countless physical challenges and equally many successes.
Murray’s retirement, Alcaraz’s words: “I will always be your fan”
Carlos Alcaraz dedicated a thought to Murray on the very night of his farewell to tennis in Paris: “It has been a privilege to share the court with you, Andy. Congratulations on your legendary career, you are an inspiration to everyone. I will always be your fan“. Sweet words from the young Spanish champion, who has shown respect for the two-time Olympic gold medalist on social media as well as on the court, just as he recently did for his doubles partner and fellow countryman Rafael Nadal, in what was likely his last appearance at the Olympics.
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