British tennis legend Andy Murray has brought his storied career to a close. He exited professional tennis after a straight-set defeat in the Olympic men’s doubles quarter-finals. Andy Murray and Dan Evans lost 6-2 6-4 to American third seeds Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.
Murray, the two-time Olympic singles champion, and Dan Evans lost 6-2, 6-4. They were defeated by American third seeds Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul. At 37, Murray had confirmed before the Paris Games that this event would be his last. “I’m proud of my career, my achievements, and what I put into the sport,” said Murray. The former world number one won the 2012 US Open and Wimbledon titles in 2013 and 2016.
After the match, an emotional Andy Murray shared a heartfelt hug with Evans at the baseline. The fans at Roland Garros honored Murray with chants, prompting Evans to guide him to the center of the court for a final acknowledgment before heading to the locker room.
Andy Murray, discussing his readiness for retirement, said, “It was emotional because it’s the last time I’ll play a competitive match. But I’m genuinely happy right now. I’m glad I could finish on my terms at the Olympics.”
Andy Murray, who turned professional in 2005, competed in 1,001 singles matches and numerous doubles matches throughout his career. He secured 46 ATP titles and led Britain to a Davis Cup victory in 2015.
The Paris Olympics marked the culmination of a journey filled with highs, including three Grand Slam titles and the world number one ranking. Despite recent injuries, including surgery for a back cyst, Andy Murray’s perseverance allowed him to compete at Paris 2024.
Andy Murray and Evans showcased resilience, saving five match points against Japan’s Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori and two more against Belgium’s Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen. However, overcoming Fritz and Paul proved too challenging.
The American pair, both top-20 singles players, displayed strong chemistry and experience in doubles. Murray and Evans, needing a strong start, lacked the sharpness from their previous matches, falling behind 4-0 and losing the first set 6-2.
In the second set, Fritz and Paul secured a double break before Andy Murray and Evans fought back to reclaim one break. The Americans missed their first match point at 5-2 but capitalized on their second chance to clinch the match.
Andy Murray’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Beginning in 2005, he achieved three Grand Slam titles, highlighted by his 2013 Wimbledon victory, ending Britain’s 77-year wait for a men’s singles champion. In 2016, Andy Murray became the first British man to be ranked world number one, capping off a stellar season.
A hip injury in 2017 posed significant challenges, leading to resurfacing surgery in 2019, which nearly ended his career. However, Andy Murray made a remarkable return, winning another ATP title in Antwerp and recording notable Grand Slam wins. Despite not regaining his previous form, his determination remained evident.
Facing continuous setbacks this year, Andy Murray decided it was time to retire. Celebrations at Wimbledon last month honored his career. Although he recognized that there is no perfect ending to a tennis career, Andy Murray hoped for another Olympic medal with Evans as a fitting conclusion.
“I gave a lot to the sport physically, which I’m feeling now,” Andy Murray said. “Looking back, even my family didn’t expect these achievements when I started in Scotland. It’s been an incredible journey. There are things I wish I’d done differently, but I’ve learned lessons that will guide me in my next endeavors.”
Andy Murray’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy in tennis remains indelible.
