Reaction to Andys' retirement plans

[Sallydaisy]

We'll try to keep up to date with responses to Andys news conference this morning in Australia. We need a record of just how much this guy is loved and regarded by so many.

A word of advice if you go onto some websites ... ignore the trolls who might upset you.
:pirate:

[Sallydaisy]

FROM THE OTHER PLAYERS (as collated by the ATP Tour (https://www.atptour.com/en/news/social-media-reacts-to-murray-announcement-australia-2019))
ATP Tour stars, coaches, former players and even an NBA star reacted with sadness and words of encouragement to the news that Andy Murray (https://www.atptour.com/en/players/andy-murray/mc10/overview) could be playing his final tournament at the Australian Open (https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview), which starts Monday. The Scot said during a news conference on Friday that the pain in his right hip has become too much for him to endure, and that he plans to retire after Wimbledon (https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/wimbledon/540/overview), if not sooner.

Stanislas Wawrinka
:crying: (https://twitter.com/stanwawrinka)

andyroddick
(https://twitter.com/andyroddick)If this is true, I tip my cap to @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) ! Absolute legend. Short list of best tacticians in history. Unreal results in a brutal era ...... Nothing but respect here. I hope he can finish strong and healthy

Mardy Fish
(https://twitter.com/MardyFish)The @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) that I know will absolutely make it to Wimbledon to play his final tournament. Not many with more heart, effort in the history of the game. Was always a pleasure to share the court pal.

Kevin Anderson
(https://twitter.com/KAndersonATP)My thoughts are with @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) and I really hope we continue to see you fighting on court so you can retire on your own terms. Get well soon... Tennis is better with you.Vasek Pospisil
(https://twitter.com/VasekPospisil)So sad for @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) . Hands down one of the best guys on tour. So much respect for him as an all around athlete and person. Hope his body can recover. If not, he will be missed by all.
:sad:

Thanasi Kokkinakis (https://twitter.com/TKokkinakis)
You’re the man muzz
:thanks:

Juan M. del Potro‏ (https://twitter.com/delpotrojuan)
Andy, just watched your conference. Please don’t stop trying. Keep fighting. I can imagine your pain and sadness. I hope you can overcome this. You deserve to retire on your own terms, whenever that happens. We love you @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) and we want to see you happy and doing well.
:thumbup:

Karen Khachanov‏ (https://twitter.com/karenkhachanov)Really sad to hear that @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) You are a true champion of our sport and great example for all of us!Stay strong

Katie Swan‏ (https://twitter.com/Katieswan99)You were my biggest idol growing up and now I’m lucky enough to call you my mentor @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) thank you for showing me what it means to never give up..
:thanks:

George Bellshaw‏ (https://twitter.com/BellshawGeorge)Kyle Edmund on Andy Murray: ‘When it’s established and concrete it kind of hits you. For me he’s been my biggest role model out of any tennis player - he’s Britain’s greatest tennis player ever and possibly greatest sportsman ever.’

John Millman
(https://twitter.com/johnhmillman)Andy will always be a titan of our sport. A hero of mine throughout my career. A true warrior whenever he steps on the court.

[Sallydaisy]

FROM OTHER TENNIS MEDIA AND LEGENDS ... just a selection, will add more

jamie delgado (https://twitter.com/DelgadoJamie) That wasn’t the easiest day I’ve ever had...#melbourne (https://twitter.com/hashtag/melbourne?src=hash)

Billie Jean King‏ (https://twitter.com/BillieJeanKing)
@andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) You are a champion on and off the court. So sorry you cannot retire on your own terms, but remember to look to the future. Your greatest impact on the world may be yet to come. Your voice for equality will inspire future generations. Much love to you & your family.

Marcus Buckland‏ (https://twitter.com/marcus_buckland)
So sad for @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) who treated us to a magnificent sporting adventure. Fiercely determined, hugely successful and surprisingly thoughtful with an often overlooked dry sense of humour. I hope the pain he’s feeling will be eased by the pride and gratitude we feel for him
:thanks:

Davis Cup‏Verified account @DavisCup (https://twitter.com/DavisCup) 7h7 hours ago (https://twitter.com/DavisCup/status/1083556246677061632)
A modern great for moments like this... After an emotional announcement that retirement is on the horizon, it’s worth reliving *THAT* match point from @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) to win the 2015 Davis Cup

https://twitter.com/i/status/1083556246677061632

Bob in Spain‏ (https://twitter.com/ExpatTennisFan)
And when all the TV cameras had gone and the rest of the players were in the changing room celebrating, @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) spent an hour going around the crowd and letting the supporters take selfies with him. He was/is a true great both on and off the court.

Wimbledon‏ (https://twitter.com/Wimbledon)
To Andy, Whatever happens next, you've done more than you know.

Stuart Fraser (https://twitter.com/stu_fraser)
A deeply emotional press conference with Andy Murray at Melbourne Park this morning. "In the middle to the end of December, during my training block, I spoke to my team and I told them, 'I cannot keep doing this.'"

Greg Rusedski (https://twitter.com/GregRusedski1)
Andy Murray is our best British tennis player in the Open era. He is one of the best athletes, tactician & competitor to grace our sport.He should be so proud of his incredible career . 3 GS, 1 DavisCup winner,2 Olympic Golds , Year end World no.1 , 45 titles!

roger rasheed
‏ (https://twitter.com/roger_rasheed)Sport can deliver heavy personal blows & we’re all feeling for @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) , but let’s now make sure we celebrate what Andy brought to the game, on and off the court - it’s been magnificent, loved every minute of the journey.

David Law (https://twitter.com/DavidLawTennis) Can’t remember another player receiving such a universal, affectionate and vocal response from his peers as that which has greeted Andy Murray’s press conference. Says a lot.
Britain wakes to news that one of its greatest ever athletes (THE greatest, in my view) is to end his career. After a raw, emotional Andy Murray press conference, Catherine Whitaker and I reacted to the news on the @TennisPodcast (https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast).

Andrew Castle‏ (https://twitter.com/AndrewCastle63)
Congratulations Andy #Murray (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Murray?src=hash). A career that speaks for itself. Wimbledon Champion US Open Champion Australian Open Final French Open Final Davis Cup Winner Olympic Gold World No.1 100% from start to finish. Inspiring.

Simon Briggs (https://twitter.com/simonrbriggs)What an incredible career. And what a tough way for it to end. In 2017, Murray was four points away from the French Open final. The next day, he was done, even if we didn't know it yet. You feel for him for many reasons, but especially because the guillotine came down so fast

(https://twitter.com/DelgadoJamie)SI Tennis (https://twitter.com/SI_Tennis)He was thoroughly decent, profoundly fair, deceptively funny and far more liked and colorful than he was ever given credit for." @jon_wertheim (https://twitter.com/jon_wertheim) pays tribute to Andy Murray, who just announced his upcoming retirement

https://www.si.com/tennis/2019/01/10/andy-murray-retirement-announcement-australian-open?utm_medium=social&xid=socialflow_twitter_si&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=si-tennis

[Sallydaisy]

Twitter reaction from non AMFF fans ... in no particular order for now

Aysha Qureshi‏ (https://twitter.com/ayshaqureshi)The fact that Andy will never win an AO is also really tragic. He deserved it more than anyone.

Nial Smith‏ (https://twitter.com/NialSmith)
Sorry to hear the news Andy. Thanks for inspiring so many posters. Whatever the future, it’s been a blast. ‘Andy Murray – Return from the Tennis Wilderness’.

BBC Tennis (https://twitter.com/bbctennis)
BBC Tennis Retweeted Wimbledon
We've got something in our eye :crying:

Laura‏ (https://twitter.com/HibbyReturns)
I think the AO should give Andy a personalised trophy for all of his accomplishments and efforts. It’s the least they could do ...

Chris P‏ @ (https://twitter.com/scoobstennis)
Remember the ridiculous match with Robredo in - I think - Valencia, which ended after saving match points, and Robredo give him the double finger at the net in sheer exhausted amused frustration? That reaction epitomised playing Andy Murray to me.

mary wrack‏ (https://twitter.com/Myrtle4441)
I can’t find anything to say that hasn’t already been said so not even going to try!For me the Murray years have been tennis and I’m not sure I’m all that interested though I’ll still watch. Just thanks for everything it’s been an absolute pleasure watching you.#murrayIStennis4me (https://twitter.com/hashtag/murrayIStennis4me?src=hash)

Sam‏ @ (https://twitter.com/snation85)
Never ever did I think I would be so upset seeing an athlete from any sport considering retiring, until @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray). This picture just shows how much this sport means to him. It’s breaks my heart that he can’t continue to play the sport he adores. He is an absolute legend

Runar Hansson‏ (https://twitter.com/runarhansson)
Olympic Gold 2012
US Open 2012
Wimbledon 2013
Wimbledon 2016
Olympic Gold 2016
ATP World Tour Finals 2016
World End Nr 1 2016
14 M1000 titles
8 time Grand Slam finalist
45 titles in total, Dubai 2017 being his last.

Patrick Collins‏ (https://twitter.com/collinspatk1)
Andy Murray was the greatest British sportsman of his era, perhaps the greatest ever. Until Murray, British tennis was a giggling garden party. He showed what was possible with fierce dedication and surging talent. He is also a thoroughly decent man. We were lucky to have him.

Rena‏ (https://twitter.com/_irenka23_)
I'm feeling very sad and I don't know what to say. Andy didn't deserve to retire like this. Watched his press conference and that was very tough to watch. It's heartbreaking to see him like this. Thanks to everyone who wrote to me messages of support. You all know how I feel
:crying:

Chris P‏ (https://twitter.com/scoobstennis)
I'll never forget that crazy US Open final, when he had to subdue Djokovic and his own demons to prevail. He flew in that 5th set after the famous bathroom self-lecture.

It's easy to forget that prior to 2012 so much of the narrative around Andy Murray was that he'd never win a slam, the temperament wasn't right, physically he wasn't strong enough, he played too defensively. Murray knew better.

[Sallydaisy]

Jon Wertheim‏ (https://twitter.com/jon_wertheim)
Retweeted George Stein It’s probably premature for this...but when a former pro of renown suggested to me that Murray - smart, fair, pragmatic, progressive - would be a strong candidate to clean the Augean stable of the ATP, I did not disagree....
George Stein (https://twitter.com/GS_TennisProb)Replying to @jon_wertheim (https://twitter.com/jon_wertheim)Whenever the “active” part of #AndyMurray (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndyMurray?src=hash) ‘s career ends, he’ll have his choice of commentating jobs, or (much) better yet, coaching. It’d be like having the best of all worlds: a Lendl-like work ethic with a great sense of humour! Who wouldn’t want him? Waddya say Caro Garcia?

touchtennis‏ (https://twitter.com/touchtennis)Thank you for everything you did for tennis. The greatest Scottish sportsman of all time. You competed and won multiple slams in the toughest era we’ve ever known. You inspired thousands of young hopefuls. I’m sure you’ll continue to as well. @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) #andymurray (https://twitter.com/hashtag/andymurray?src=hash)

Courtney Nguyen‏ (https://twitter.com/FortyDeuceTwits)
I think the women in the press room will back me up on this: Andy Murray always treated us great. Sometimes I’d chuckle at his penchant for giving a thoughtful answer to a q asked by a woman, which he just brushed off when asked by a guy.

Carole Bouchard‏ (https://twitter.com/carole_bouchard)
The one calling you "the lady over there" when talking about u. The one that yells "Goodnight, Carole!" at 10pm in the middle of Wimbledon. The one that asks how u've been while really meaning it. Always a smile on his face when he crosses you anywhere. Never a bad word.

Miranda Hart (https://twitter.com/mermhart)Watching the press conference was emotional for an admirer and fan, I can’t imagine how hard this must be for Andy to leave a life and sport he loves so much. He is such an inspiration. What he achieved is phenomenal. Here’s hoping he has a great @AustralianOpen (https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen) farewell.

Darren Cahill‏ (https://twitter.com/darren_cahill)When you search for examples of “emptied the bucket to be as good as they could be” there should be a picture of Andy Murray sitting under that quote. Remarkable discipline for training, competition, sacrifice, perfection, a little crazy but a legend of a bloke. Bravo Andy
:thanks:

Daniel Vallverdu‏ (https://twitter.com/danielvallverdu) Whatever you think “emptying the bucket” means....times that by 5 and that’s who @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) is. Thank you Andy - thank you for always being you. #1

Justin Rose (https://twitter.com/JustinRose99)
What a career @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) keep it going as everybody wants to watch you @Wimbledon (https://twitter.com/Wimbledon) in July mate. GOAT –– 3x Grand Slams –– 2x Olympic gold medals –– ATP Finals –– 2016 world No.1 –– 14x Masters 1000 titles –– 8x Grand Slam finals –– 45 total ATP titles Legend

Neil Harman‏ @ (https://twitter.com/Neil_Harman57)
Waking to the sad news about Andy Murray. Happy I saw him at his very best, chronicled the great successes and the occasional lows. There’s no doubt he’s the finest British player of all time and a giant of the courts. He changed a lot of lives, mine included. @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray)

Piers Newbery (https://twitter.com/piersnewbery) Long, hectic, sad day. AM was the reason I first got to visit Melbourne, so it’s down to him in large part that I now live here. Polite, funny and clever - despite my valiant attempts to dumb him down. Looking forward to seeing what he does next.

stephen hendry‏ (https://twitter.com/SHendry775)
Hard to read that @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) being forced to retire because of injury,no doubt one of Scotland’s greatest ever sportsmen

Kim Clijsters‏ (https://twitter.com/Clijsterskim)My heart breaks listening to @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) during his press conference... Hope he will make it through to Wimbledon and have the farewell he deserves . #greatguy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/greatguy?src=hash)

Johanna Konta (from the BBC page)
"Unable to retire on his own terms and forced to retire is something which no athlete wants to be put through," Konta said. "Everyone will have a lot of compassion and a lot of sadness for him if he has been put into that position."
Konta says female players have been grateful for Murray's support.
"There have been many examples of when he has stood up for women's tennis and women in general," she said.
"He has voiced his opinions and has tackled some questions and issues that have arisen.
"I think everybody has always been very appreciative of him and how he has stood up for the women's side of the game."

Heather Watson on Instagram
Keep fighting Andy, you’re got a heart of pure gold! You’re most definitely one of the most liked and respected players on the tour. I know all of us girls in the locker room are in awe & so grateful for how you always fight in our corner! Thank you so much for that. You inspire me in so many ways and I don’t want you to go!! Stay strong and keep fighting �� it’s pretty nerve racking playing with you because you’re pretty gosh darn Awesome (with a capital A)�� but jheez am I so grateful I have!

Kyle Edmund‏ (https://twitter.com/kyle8edmund)
Nobody has done more for British tennis than you and it looks like nobody will for many years to come. You have been an inspiration, friend and role model to me from the get go and I thank you for everything. Hope to see you out there for as long as possible @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray)

[Sallydaisy]

MORE FROM TWITTER INCLUDING SOME CURRENT AND FORMER AMFF'ers

robstewart (https://twitter.com/robstewart)
I'm a long time gone from tennis, but heartbroken to see a friend in pain. When I first met #andymurray (https://twitter.com/hashtag/andymurray?src=hash) he was a kid. He's become a man whom I respect perhaps more than anyone. Puritanical work ethic, razor sharp mind, silly levels of talent...
...But more than anything he's always been resolutely unspun. Never bent or swayed to act in any way other than what was true to him. What you see is what he is. I'm sad, but excited for the next chapter for both him and his lovely young family.

angiebabez (https://twitter.com/mooney_angie)
I can't actually put into words just now how I'm feeling..Just feel totally numb

Zainab Walji‏ (https://twitter.com/xenon21)
I really hope @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) is not pulling out of Aussie open but why else would he be in tears? Poor guy deserves a break. The tennis world needs andy.

No no no!!! @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) is retiring after @Wimbledon (https://twitter.com/Wimbledon) gutted! Andy was the one who truly got me even more into tennis. Am very tempted to time my trip to London with queens/London to watch andy for the last time

Must be so hard for him at the momentIt’s late for my fellow @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) fans in UK. I just wanted to give you all a huge virtual #HUG
(https://twitter.com/hashtag/HUG?src=hash)
I guess in my heart of hearts I had a feeling andy couldn’t keep playing through the pain. It didn’t seem to be improving. Selfishly I will miss him. Unselfishly I wish him to live without having to play through pain. I just didn’t expect the announcement so early. I feel like @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) has been a huge part of my youth! You gave me love of this game. I started playing tennis because of you. Tennis won’t be the same without you

James Harrison‏ (https://twitter.com/yourpaljames)
Come on...own up...who ****** off the tennis gods? I know it wasn’t me!
:pirate:
On second thoughts...I bet it’s @AndrewCastle63 (https://twitter.com/AndrewCastle63) It’s always Andrew Castle!
gutted for us...absolutely devestated for him!

Kelle‏ (https://twitter.com/kels450)
Andy Murray is a legend. So gutted for him that his career's ending this way. He's been such a huge part of my life for the past 14 years, and he's given me so many incredible memories with some amazing people (even when we were all crying at semi final & final defeats )
:crying:
Also, as well as being a brilliant tennis player, he's a really, really good person.

alex thompson‏ (dewster) (https://twitter.com/dewster99)My interest in watching tennis has waned significantly over the last 18 months. Every time Andy came back I was filled with hope. So sad to see such a great champion reduced to this. If he makes it to Wimbledon I’ll do everything I can to be there and see him off

TennisNow‏ (https://twitter.com/Tennis_Now) Heartbreaking news on a generational talent that has been embraced for his guts, his guile, his humor, has candor, his talent, his open-mindedness. Andy Murray is EVERYTHING to so many tennis fans, and it's difficult to think that the end of his momentous career is so near.

Jonathan Newman‏ (https://twitter.com/Tennis_Jon)
For as great a tennis player as @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) has been, it's a credit to him as a person that we are all so gutted for him right now. His voice & actions as an ally -- cutting down bigotry and uplifting others in tennis -- are what set him apart. Forever grateful. Thank you, sir!

Elaine Paterson‏ (https://twitter.com/elainepat46)@andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) made tennis exciting, stomach churning and glorious. Such a shame he’s having to retire earlier than he or I would have wanted, but he has to do what is right for his health. On to a new chapter Andy. Thanks for the memories!
:love:

Me & Me‏ (https://twitter.com/LazyLys)
Every time I try to start writing something, I just tear up. No tweet can be enough to say everything Andy meant to me. Stay strong, boy

[Sallydaisy]

MORE FROM PLAYERS

Svetlana Kuznetsova (https://twitter.com/SvetlanaK27) @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray)
Andy you are the best no matter what! And so strong! All the respect !

Anne Keothavong (https://twitter.com/annekeothavong)
Andy Murray has had an incredible career. Most importantly though, he’s such a decent human being.

Kevin Anderson‏ (https://twitter.com/KAndersonATP)
My thoughts are with @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) and I really hope we continue to see you fighting on court so you can retire on your own terms. Get well soon... Tennis is better with you.

Grigor Dimitrov (https://twitter.com/GrigorDimitrov)
Tennis will come to an end for us all but the friendships will last a lifetime. What you’ve done for the sport will live on forever. I’m hoping for a strong and healthy finish for you, my friend! @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray)

Andyroddick‏ (https://twitter.com/andyroddick)Just thinking out loud here. He deserves his moment to say goodbye at Wimbledon. He’s too important to Great Britain and Wimbledon history to not have it..... Would be a pretty cool moment to play doubles w his bro at Wimby if he can’t play singles

Jonas Bjorkman‏ (https://twitter.com/BjorkmanTennis)
Woke up to the sad news from @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) True champion and an amazing fighter with a huge heart. One of the most professional guys that I have ever met. My biggest respect!

Nick Kyrgios on Facebook:
Andy, I know you take me for a joker most of the time, but at least hear me out on this one old friend.

You will always be someone that impacted the sport in so many different ways, I know this was never the way you wanted to go out, but hey it was a heck of a ride.

You took me under your wing as soon as I got on tour, and to this day you have been someone I literally just look forward to seeing. You are one crazy tennis player, miles better than me, but I just want you to know that today isn’t only a sad day for you and your team, it’s a sad day for the sport and for everyone you’ve had an impact on. Which leaves me big fella.. these are a couple photos, that should make you smile and think, I was actually a little bit of a younger brother to you.

Anyways, I just want you to know, and I’m sure you already do, everyone wants you to keep fighting and to keep being you. Goodluck at the Australian Open muzz, I’ll be behind you. #onelastdance (https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/onelastdance?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCoQ1jVH4veksF-F_RfNu2Y4ACoWMvJftrHts9fi6tC6ewm2faBhM51A-2iouACkOSFylL0CFG6pfJ1LVtwLL31XWHK_M9ZQs6ogBEGkLlC aT2fHxh-v2QgOuIThDKpan3rmIYAIplNmxduLuAwLb08Fh7hA0DHrZDZXH hKwhTrfYE3_sgpSjrv28TCDCnnMx3WMis8OkDNns-PNM69e3EOfAt8C_hTwqs5RttrSJ0Wn6D7cFZY1LWD3VkOlXD84 6ce3BBE0c0Y6AV0_O8J2UgyXMILbNyzuWHO7QYKqxfryOG2eHU 8ERtTCLgV16MWUoVP2UX0jawWtHy3YdKvhSpkBg&__tn__=%2ANK-R)

[Sallydaisy]

More from Twitter

Carole Bouchard‏ (https://twitter.com/carole_bouchard)
Novak Djokovic didn't know about Andy announcing his retirement. He's asked about it at Asics event. "It's quite a shock for me. It's sad to see what he's been going through... He's a great champion, a friend of mine, I grew up with him, we played epic matches all over the world"

Rod Laver‏ (https://twitter.com/rodlaver)
@andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) is a great champion who I have the utmost admiration for. I’ve enjoyed following his stellar career, he is truly one of the greats of our game & a lovely bloke! Arise Sir Andy. I applaud you & wish you well in all your future endeavours. Rocket

Paul Annacone‏ (https://twitter.com/paul_annacone)
Hearing the news from @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) is gut wrenching It is an athlete’s goal to retire on their own terms That’s been stolen from him He will be sorely missed let’s all enjoy what’s left & from this tennis fan Thank you @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray)

Nicola Sturgeon‏ (https://twitter.com/NicolaSturgeon)
Andy Murray is a legend - without doubt one of Scotland’s greatest ever sportsmen, as well as an outstanding role model and inspiration for young people everywhere. A credit to sport and to the country. Sending him very best wishes.

Rob Curling (https://twitter.com/RobCurling) @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) has done so much for British tennis in particular and British sport in general. What a legacy. His achievements are phenomenal and I for one am extremely grateful to him for the excitement he has given us as sports broadcasters and sports fans.

[Sallydaisy]

More items from twitter:

Matt Zemek‏ (https://twitter.com/mzemek)
Juan Martin del Potro.
Tomas Berdych.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
David Ferrer.
Marin Cilic.
Stan Wawrinka.
David Nalbandian.
Lleyton Hewitt.
Robin Soderling.
Grigor Dimitrov.

Sir Andrew Barron Murray won more Masters 1000 titles than those men *combined*. #AndyMurray (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndyMurray?src=hash)


Juan Carlos Ferrero
All my admiration and respect @andy_murray. You'll always be a great champion ����, those of you who love tennis will miss you.

Jordanne Whiley MBE
Absolutely gutted to hear of @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) news today. A legend of the sport and a genuinely lovely person

Jo Durie
Just arrived down under to the sad news about Andy. It’s so hard to give up something you truly love doing. But on a brighter note well done @harriet_dart (https://twitter.com/harriet_dart) for qualifying & a great first round draw v Sharapova to go for.


Gary Lineker‏ (https://twitter.com/GaryLineker) Always sad when a sporting career comes to an end. Sadder still when it’s one of the greatest sportsmen that these islands has ever produced. Wish @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) all the very best. A truly wonderful tennis player, and an absolute credit to his sport. Well played, Sir.

[Sallydaisy]

A few more ...

Ravi Ubh (https://twitter.com/raviubha)
Ivan Lendl on Murray: "As Andy looks to wind down over the next several months the world of tennis will lose a great competitor but he will leave a measure of true grit that we all can learn from. He has always left it out on court."
More from Ivan Lendl on Andy: "He has always left it all out on court and I will look back with great feelings about the years we worked together which were a lot of fun, filled with excitement."

Magnus Norman
(https://twitter.com/normansweden)If true. Feel down to the bone for Andy Murray right now. Amazing player, fighter, nr 1 and multiple GS champion. Deepest respect.

Pam Shriver‏ (https://twitter.com/PHShriver)
A male leadership voice that stands out and is outstanding during a challenging time for gender issues. Andy was able to reach #1 during the Federer Nadal Djokovic era making it the era of the big 4. My family is sending Andy all the love and support from Los Angeles. @JudyMurray (https://twitter.com/JudyMurray)

Elena Vesnina (https://twitter.com/EVesnina001)
Just heard about @andymurray (https://twitter.com/AndyMurray) press conference and my heart breaks to hear that.Truly inspiration for everyone,role model for boys and girls,fighter in every aspects,who was always standing in our corner.Really hope he will make it through to Wimbledon.Keep strong Andy.

Conor Niland‏ (https://twitter.com/conorniland1)
Emotional for @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray). A rare talent. 2 Wimbledon's, 2 Olympic Golds, US Open, Davis Cup title for GB and World No.1. Says it all.

Theresa May‏ (https://twitter.com/theresa_may)
Andy Murray has had a fantastic career and time and time again has made this nation proud. We all hope we can see much more of him playing this year and when he does finish, he will be remembered as one of the best and most successful athletes of his or any generation.

Mrs I‏ (https://twitter.com/tingram311) Watching #AndyMurray (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndyMurray?src=hash) on the news. Poor lad, so emotional.

Stuart Fraser‏V (https://twitter.com/stu_fraser)
Crazy day in Melbourne, or two days as it's now 5:40am on Saturday morning. Suspect there will be twists and turns to come in this Andy Murray story yet.

Simon Cambers‏ (https://twitter.com/scambers73)It was hard to see @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) in press today. Obviously incredibly hard for him to have to make the decision, but what a career. Britain's best ever player, surely Scotland's finest ever sportsman and a pleasure to follow for more than a decade. And above all, quality of life is so important. Playing through pain is never, ever enjoyable. Hopefully he makes it to @Wimbledon (https://twitter.com/Wimbledon) and gets the send-off he deserves. How's that statue coming on?....

Jamie MacDonald (https://twitter.com/JM_MacDonald)
A sad day for British sport as perhaps one of its greatest ever athletes could hang up his racket. #AndyMurray (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndyMurray?src=hash) #Legend (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Legend?src=hash)

[Sallydaisy]

And from Dunblane:

Dunblane Primary (https://twitter.com/DunblanePrimary)
Everyone at Dunblane Primary School would like to pay tribute to former pupil Sir@andy_ murray following his announcement today. Andy, you’ve inspired everyone in the school with your incredible achievements, dedication and humility. We will always be very proud of you.

Martin Weston (https://twitter.com/martindweston)
One thing I do know, this immeasurably huge loss to mens professional tennis will be an incalculably massive gain for whatever Sir Andy Murray chooses to do with the next chapter of his life. He’s a game changer, a force of nature, a complete and utter icon #ANDY (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ANDY?src=hash) @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray)

Link to article about Andy on the WTA website: https://www.wtatennis.com/news/andy-murray-and-womens-tennis-appreciation. And some 'extracts' :-


On learning of his planned retirement, Billie Jean King described Andy Murray as an inspiration for future generations due to his leadership on equality issues. Tennis writer Mark Hodgkinson examines his legacy.

A casual feminist: that was how a prominent British politician, the Member of Parliament Jess Phillips, described Andy Murray on Twitter on Friday. But, in truth, you can drop the 'casual'; there has been nothing laid-back or understated about Murray's feminism. A committed feminist, more like. As Serena Williams once said of Murray: "Andy really is pro-woman." So pro-woman that - and this was a rare move indeed by a leading ATP player - he hired a female coach. Naturally, he supported equal pay for men and women in tennis; he went much further than that, advocating for total parity in all areas, and not just financial.

Win Wimbledon and you have a voice, and Britain's greatest ever tennis player has called out what has been characterised as 'casual sexism', such as correcting interviewers who had overlooked female players in their questions.

Murray has also stepped in when affronted by more egregious examples of sexism, both inside and outside tennis, such as when the winner of the inaugural women's Ballon d'Or prize, the Norwegian footballer Ada Hegerberg, was asked by the host to twerk in celebration. "Why," Murray asked, "do women still have to put up with that s---?"

As Murray once wrote in L'Equipe, the French sports newspaper: "Have I become a feminist? Well, if being a feminist is about fighting so that a woman is treated like a man then, yes, I suppose I have."

In her tribute to Murray, Billie Jean King wrote how his "voice for equality will inspire future generations", and those currently competing on the WTA also focused on the former Wimbledon champion's feminism.
While the British tennis public will always revere Murray for that golden summer of 2013, when he became the first British man for 77 years to win Wimbledon, the WTA's players admire the Scot for more than just his ability to say boo to Fred Perry's Centre Court ghost.

It's funny to think how, in the early stages of his career, Murray was cruelly and mistakenly lampooned by sections of the public for being dull, for supposedly lacking a personality, and yet many now like him as much for the way he thinks and speaks as for the way he hits a serve or a forehand.

Of all the leading ATP players, Murray has consistently shown the greatest interest in women's tennis. And, more generally, in equality. Much of that is down to his mother Judy, who was also his first coach. "My upbringing means that I'm quite attuned to the whole thing. I came to tennis thanks to my mother. I always had a very close relationship with my grandmothers. I've always been surrounded by women. I find it easier to talk to them. I find it easier to open up to them. It's a crying shame there aren't more female coaches," Murray, a father of two girls, once wrote.

When Murray worked with Amelie Mauresmo, he became even more of a champion for women. "Right from the word go, I knew that working alongside Amelie would set tongues wagging. The reason for this is that very few players before me have worked with a female coach. I realised it would create a feeling of suspicion, mistrust and perhaps even negativity," Murray wrote in L'Equipe.

"I didn’t realise, however, that Amélie would find herself up against such criticism and prejudice. The staggering thing was that she was slated every time I lost, which is something my former coaches never ever experienced. It wasn’t right," he added. "It really opened my eyes when I started working with Amelie. Inequality is something I started to see. And become passionate about. It's opened my mind."

Such is the affection that many on the WTA have for Murray, the tributes from the women's game were just as warm as those from men's tennis. To borrow Serena's phrase, Murray's achievements justify that tag of "pro-woman."

Read more: WTA stars pay tribute to 'voice for equality' Andy Murray (https://www.wtatennis.com/news/wta-stars-pay-tribute-voice-equality-andy-murray)

[Sallydaisy]

erm ...

FC Barcelona‏Verified account @FCBarcelona (https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona)

@andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray), the door is always open to you at Camp Nou!

[Sallydaisy]

Some more from twitter.

David Nalbandian
@andy_murray You've been a huge professional and a rival. I hope you can retire as you like. Tennis is going to miss you! I wish you the best in this new stage outside the courts!

Chris Evert (https://twitter.com/ChrissieEvert)Bravo @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) ... The most human and honest and emotional champion in this era. To see the joy on his face when he won Wimbledon and to see the pain now as he plays..The people’s champion...#willmisshim (https://twitter.com/hashtag/willmisshim?src=hash)

[Sallydaisy]

Nole, on Instagram:-

https://scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/cb853a79d49b882dac347162e099371d/5CD98F57/t51.2885-19/11251132_1682313692004080_1151349782_a.jpg?_nc_ht= scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.comdjokernoleVerified
(https://www.instagram.com/djokernole/)

Tarbes, France 2001, “Les Petite As”
First time we met and played. Something was telling me back then that we’d have an amazing rivalry and experience of playing each other on the biggest stage for many years to come.

What you are trying to do is nothing short of brave and inspiring. I met with you the other day and couldn’t really verbalize my compassion for what you’re going through. As an athlete, fellow tennis player and friend, I respect and fully support you every second of this Australian Open and every next attempt to compete at the highest level. Whatever happens, I will always cherish our amazing matches over the years and be grateful for those experiences �� Big hug Andy, stay strong. @andymurray (https://www.instagram.com/andymurray/)