Andy - the end of his ATP tour tennis career

As expected Andy has confirmed that the Olympics in Paris will be his last ever tennis tournament.
Report on the BBC website about his plan to retire.
ht tps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/articles/czq670864w6o

:sad:

I am very, very sad about it. It’s truly the end of an era. My interest in tennis began with Andy Murray and largely will end with him. I can’t really get enthusiastic about it anymore.

I am however also relieved. It’s been painful watching him destroy his body even further.

I hope to see him on the seniors tour from time to time, and as a coach to one of our young ones.

I also am very sad about this.
I dreamt last night about Andy getting lots of cards - are we sending him a card from us?
Could we get a card to him?
Is there enough of us now?

I don’t know. I only pop in from time to time.

What will happen to the forum. Will it morph into one for British players or Jack Draper, or is it time to close.

We have had some great times together. It must be harder for those of you who have followed him from the beginning.

My favourite moment will also be him thrashing Federer for Olympic Gold, rapidly followed by that lob to win the Davis Cup.

but is it the end of his tennis career. Playing career yes, but it will be fascinating to see what his involvement in the game will be. Will he limit himself to just Tennis, or will he become part of the wider Sport network, like Lord Coe. I can certainly see him being Davis Cup Captain.

I know, after his doubles loss at Wimbledon, the ITF wanted Andy to finish his career in Manchester. Hopefully, they'll make him turn up and give him a send off.

Not unexpected but sad news nonetheless, however we knew this day would come. Many of us have been thorough so much with Andy so obviously will be a bit an emotional time. I followed tennis long before Andy and will do so in the years ahead,even if this will be a real loss. However feel it is for the best with recent fitness issues, it has been a great ride with many amazing moments though a pity he could not stay near the top longer.

Sure Andy will need a bit of a break but sure he will be involved in tennis in some capacity. Whilst a lot of fanatical fans have been on the forum a number have fallen away in recent years, some though mainly post about tennis on social media.

What an amazing career Andy has had!

Very emotional moments for us fans. I loved following Andy's matches on here, there was just something great about the late night friday or saturday night matches for me and the entertainment they provided, even in the smaller tournaments.

His gritty determination in his later years has also clearly won over a lot of newer fans. Great career, hope he enjoys his retirement.

yes Murrayfan,those were the days and Andy's mental's strength and resilience were a joy to behold! Thanks to all for their thoughts (unfortunately the Thanks Button has not worked for some time).

Hard to beat a lot of the above posts but he has had an amazing career. I have followed him avidly since his loss to Thomas Johansson at Queens in 2005. What a ride!

A true Murraycoaster!
I remember sitting on four with many others waiting for some big announcement from Andy - and it was an April fools by him!
I remember following his matches on live score - except you had to keep refreshing it.
I remember going to Glasgow for the Davis Cup tie - amazing atmosphere and then to Brussels.
So many times I’ve seen him at Queens. It’s been a honour to see him grow from that skinny boy to that fine man and athlete he is today.

A tennis fan for 73 years since being introduced to it on starting at high school, I know, with Andy's retirement, my interest will wane. Obviously I'll follow future Brit results but without the same enthusiasm and certainly no more screaming at the tv and setting the alarm to get me up at ridiculous hours to watch him play in far flung places.(My health might even improve). I guess this forum will fade away shortly (it has done several times on me in the past when experiencing technical problems!).
I shall miss it although I must admit to posting on social media much more of late. In the past I attended Davis Cup matches on my own and thank you for your kindnesses to me on those occasions. I remember eating Shirley's shortbread in Glasgow and think of her whenever I buy it as it never tastes as good. I was looking at the member list earlier; Rosiebear (part Serbian?) is no longer around; Teresa with whom I share a dislike of Fed (blame his 19 jacket) and worn out limbs; and Roy who comes from my home town Warrington but never met; and of course Sallydaisy for her sterling work.
I read somewhere that they may try to get Andy to go to Manchester in September after his well earned holiday for another retirement ceremony; I am going on the Friday with a son and grandson (probably my last trip to live tennis) so do hope so although they may possibly choose the Sunday as the last day. Anyway, thanks again everyone, keep well and happy and enjoy wherever tennis takes you. xx

Thanks to everyone for the company over the years on the forum, some I have met in person but even if I have not somehow feels like we are all familiar to each other. I have not been to Davis Cup in recent years but attended many in the past, the ties were certainly memorable and we always had a good time. A special mention to those who have lead us on the forum and Sally has put a lot of work into it.
:)
The Belgium tie certainly was a great experience
:cheer:
Whilst still come on here I also post about tennis on social media, sometimes it is pretty quiet here, not the only reason people have faded away but the technical problems have not helped. Realise though that those concerned are doing what they can. Clancy, as far as I am aware Rosiebear is still a Mod but obviously has not posted in some time.

James - As the Thanks button is not in use, thank you for mentioning Rosiebear; she was such a regular contributor to Andy's matches and I have learnt a lot from all of you! I hope a card to Andy is possible but perhaps not, due to the many difficulties the forum now has. x

Yes indeed, Rosiebear has been missed. Thanks, I think we have all learnt from each other- need to see if a card is possible.

Yes. I too should thank you all, including the Mods to whom I have sometimes been a challenge…..!!!

I was a refugee from Murray’s World. It was a revelation to find a kinder, gentler place here. Not too dread coming on after he lost, to see a tirade of abuse directed at him.

I met many of you at D.C. matches. Great times.

A particular thanks to SallyDaisy whose organisational skills always trigger awe in me.

Perhaps if this forum closes, we could set up a WhatsApp group for the odd contact?

Apparently, the bookmakers have tipped now for Andy to take part on Strictly or I'm a Celebrity.

Stell - Can't see him ever going on SCD (and not sure I'll be watching it again) and I've never watched I'm a Celebrity!

And now he's pulled out of the singles at the Olympics :crying: but still in doubles with Dan.

Tbh not that surprised, hopefully Andy/Dan can at least win a few matches.

What can I say that you all haven't said already? Andy has just been the most fabulous player to follow. Can't quite imagine what it will be like without him.

I only found the forum in 2015, and really wish I had found it sooner. It has been great to meet you all both online and in person

It's been a privilege to follow Andy for these last 19/20 years.
:tennis::knight::knight:

So many amazing matches, touches of brilliance that only he could produce
and hours of nailbiting sessions following livescores before it became easier
to actually watch his matches in real time. Even worse for the emotions!
:nailbiter:

And the commiseratory or celebratory glass or three.
:wino::shelebrate::cheers:


So many murraycoasters!
:coaster:
So much joy with the wins and watching him work his way to be No1, win that first Grand Slam that was so elusive and then 2 more, win Davis Cup and win back to back Gold Olympic Medals and a Silver (with Robson).
:trophy:

It's been one heck of a career and hopefully in one way or another we'll still see him around.

Thanks to everyone who joined us here - for the company, banter and virtual hugs!
Davis Cup ties brought so many of us together.
Hugs all round.
:grouphug:

BREAKING: Queen’s Club centre court to be renamed ‘The Andy Murray Arena’
The LTA have just announced that the main court at the Cinch Championships held at The Queen’s Club will be known as ‘The Andy Murray Arena’.

LTA Chief Executive, Scott Lloyd said:

Andy is the greatest tennis player ever to come from this country and a giant of British sport. His contribution to the game is immense and has bought us all so many moments of pride. He was relentless in his pursuit of excellence and had a single-minded determination to succeed.

His brilliance on court brought to an end the long wait for a British male singles winner at Wimbledon, brought home Olympic gold and silver medals and he was the driving force behind Britain’s 2015 Davis Cup success.

Anyone who ever saw him play knows he put his heart and soul into his performances on the court. His incredible work ethic and love for the sport was demonstrated by his repeated returns from injury, when many others would not have had the resolve. Perhaps equal to his on-court success was his attitude in championing equality and diversity right across the sport. He is a special role model for tennis in this country and beyond and a unique champion.

We are proud to name the arena at our tournament at the Queen’s Club after him. We are committed to delivering an infrastructure legacy working with Judy Murray on the Park of Keir project, a new tennis centre of national significance for Scotland and for its local community. We are, of course, keen to continue to work with Andy in the future, in whatever capacity he wishes - as British tennis is all the stronger for him.

In typical Andy fashion he's just posted on his Twitter account ...
"Never even liked tennis anyway"
:laugh:

and he's changed his Twitter signature to "I played tennis"
:sad:

If anyone wants to save memories of Andy now is a good time to do it
because there is so much from all the media involved in tennis.
Twitter, Facebook, ATP, ITF, LTA, BBC - you name it they're posting loads.
Sadly, we know some of the memories on here are no longer accessible.
Just save it to your own computer to reflect on when you want.
:thumbup:

I have been saving articles for a while.

Thank you for the forum.

Thanks Sally for your amazing updates and info

Beautiful about Queens Club - feeling really bereft just now

Lovely words Sally. Loving reading all the online tributes . Trying very hard to go with ‘don’t be sad it’s over, be glad that it happened ‘. As I said earlier in the week, have loved sharing it with you all

Andy Murray cried. Dan Evans cried. Even BBC television presenter Clare Balding cried.
In the moments after Murray's illustrious career came to an end at the Paris 2024 Olympics, there was an outpouring of emotion.
It was felt at Roland Garros by Murray, by his British team-mates, by the thousands of adoring fans chanting his name.
It was also felt across a nation which will never see one of its sporting icons play professionally again - and Balding's reaction probably summed up the feelings of many who have watched this British hero over the years.
"Obviously, it was emotional because it's the last time I will play a competitive match," said Murray, who was also applauded by his mother Judy watching on.
"But I am genuinely happy just now. I'm happy with how it finished."
Murray is no stranger to getting emotional in public, of course.
Most famously, there were the tears on Wimbledon's Centre Court after losing to Roger Federer in the 2012 final, finally endearing him to a larger share of the British public.
"This isn't going to be easy..." he said to Sue Barker on court post-match that day, before the tears came.
Before that, he welled up after losing the 2010 Australian Open final to Roger Federer - quipping he could "cry like Roger... it's a shame I can't play like him".
Once he did land that Grand Slam title - and two more after that - it was injury that led to more tears.
In 2018, he sobbed uncontrollably under his towel at the Washington Open as he battled through hip pain.
On the eve of the 2019 Australian Open, Murray broke down in a pre-tournament news conference when he revealed he might have to retire because of impending hip resurfacing surgery, which he thought would end his career.
Five and a half years later, and after squeezing every last drop out of his comeback, Murray was finally content to call it a day.
"It's been really hard. Physically, pain-wise, I feel bad," he said.
"Physically, I can obviously go on the court and perform at a level that's competitive.
"We were close to getting in the medal rounds here. That's OK but the pain and discomfort in my body is not good and that's also why I'm happy to be finishing.
"If I kept going and kept trying, eventually you end up having an injury potentially ending your career.
"I know that now is the right time and physically."
After the initial tears at Roland Garros had dried, a contemplative Murray revealed how tough the final few months had been for him.
An ankle injury in March disrupted what was already planned to be his final season and when he did manage to race back, his participation in an emotional goodbye to Wimbledon came under threat as he needed back surgery to remove a cyst.
Murray had long conceded he was unlikely to have a "perfect ending" but admitted he "fast-tracked his rehab" in order to play at the Olympics.
"I’m glad I got to go out here and finish on my terms," he said.
"At times in the last few years, that wasn't a certainty.
"And even when I first went to have my scan on my back, the issue that I had with it, I was told that I wouldn’t be playing at the Olympics and I wouldn’t be playing at Wimbledon.
"So I feel lucky I got that opportunity to play here and have some great matches and create amazing memories."
Murray means a lot of different things to a lot of people who don't even know him: Sporting icon who has taken British tennis to new heights; advocate for gender equality in a male-dominated sport; all-round decent guy with acerbically dry humour.
The droll side of his personality came out again shortly after he had finished speaking to the media.
"Never even liked tennis anyway," he wrote on social media. The bio on his X account had also been changed from 'I play tennis' to 'I played tennis'.
Some loved him. Some never got him but were eventually won round. Some have never got him at all.
"He’s a class act and has been for years for British tennis and world tennis," said Evans.
"He has spoken up on matters other people wouldn't speak about. He's a good guy."

when you are in the middle of things, whether it be going to Wimbledon or other tournaments, going to DC weekends, or just following AM on TV, you never think that one day it's all going to stop. Well it does, and it has. And you just feel as though part of your life is never going to be the same again. So just try and imagine what Andy feels. Although he's known this moment has been coming for the past couple of years and will hopefully be able to look back on his tennis life with pride, while still being able to look forward to whatever the future brings. He certainly deserves the right to put his feet up for a few months while he plans out his next move.

I think it's true to say, Teresa, that you and I didn't really rate 2 out of the big 3 but acknowledge Andy in every way as simply the best. x

Clancy - I didn’t rate any of the big 4 apart from AM. I think he was the only one with any true honesty. AM always wore his heart on his sleeve. Who he was and is, was never an act. He always remained true to himself. The others were all guilty of mind games, and what to me was sharp, or at least unsportsmanlike practice. Nadal constantly pushing his luck on serve time, Federer and his obscene jacket. Djokovic just being Djokovic. Although I concede out of all of them including AM, Djokovic was the best loser.

I can’t forgive Djokovic many things, but his best was walking across the wrong side of the net to give AM a hug when he was crouched on the court of The U.S. Open not believing what he had just done.


Has anyone seen any comment from Ivan Lendl?

Yes, I agree Novak is always gracious in defeat. Over the years I have often tried to get friends to see Andy as I see him; because one had had Border terriers all her life, I told her how devoted he and Kim were to Maggie and Rusty and showed her photos of them but she wasn't for turning; said he was bad tempered. Not seen anything from Lendl, probably on a golf course somewhere. x

The Telegraph has a lovely interview with Kim.
ht tps://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2024/08/02/kim-murray-it-will-be-lovely-to-have-andy-at-home-god-know/#comment

I think none of us were surprised to learn about Queen's Club naming their Centre Court after him.

But really super pleased Queens have named their centre court after him!

Is it just me? I am still feeling completely lost? We knew it was coming, and retiring really is the best thing for him. However I feel like a fixed point in my world has been hit by a truck.

He is the only sports person I have ever got emotionally invested in. Perhaps that’s why.

I am the same Teresa. Dreaming about him.
Yep I think it’ll take time.
Glad it’s not just me!
I read an article Kim had been interviewed for and she said she hates watching him play because he makes it such hard work! It she thinks for his fans it’s super addictive.
Maybe it’s that we are missing!