Tennis legends Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer came together to pay heartfelt tributes to Andy Murray following his retirement from the sport - and there's one key theme that stands out with every message. The lad from Dunblane was very well liked by his peers.
On Thursday night, Murray and his Team GB partner Dan Evans faced defeat against American's Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games men’s doubles, leading to an emotional farewell as Murray gave a tearful wave to the fans at Roland-Garros' Court Suzanne Lenglen.
Murray's illustrious career was defined by iconic battles against the sport's elite, particularly his memorable encounters with the "Big Three".
Notably, he clinched his first of two Wimbledon titles in 2013 by defeating Djokovic in a thrilling final, a victory that not only marked a historic moment for British tennis but also showcased Murray's resilience and skill on the grand stage.
His contributions to the sport and his fierce rivalries with Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer have left an indelible mark on tennis history, making his retirement a significant moment for fans and fellow players alike.
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Federer hung up his racket two years ago but encountered several amazing matches involving Murray throughout his career, and he was quick to note how much of an inspiration the Scottish tennis sensation has been to him - despite being a 20-time Grand Slam champion.
“Hey Andy, many, many congratulations my friend on an incredible career – Wimbledon champion, US Open champion, Davis Cup champion, Olympic champion and many more things you have achieved,” said Federer in a video message posted on social media by the ATP Tour.
“So many Masters 1000s as well, world number one, and a sir. So, Sir Andy Murray, an incredible effort on the most wonderful of careers.
“A great human being and doing it all with a massive family at the end, and a hip and a body that clearly wasn’t giving you what you wanted any more. But you’ve been a true inspiration to me and many of the players out there and I’m so happy you could do it as long as you did.
“Just from my side Andy, I have so much respect. Loved playing against you, even though I lost so many times against you and it was brutal. Congrats on everything you’ve achieved and everything that’s to come. Only all the best and I’m sure we’ll see each other down the road. Enjoy the moment.”
Nadal alongside Djokovic is still competing in tennis, although the Spaniard’s future does still appear uncertain.
He wanted to emphasise how enjoyable it was to share a court and locker room with Murray, as well as praising all his contributions to tennis.
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“I am very sad to do this video because you are one of the players that the locker room loves most, for your character, for your charisma and for the way that you have been always with me personally and with the rest of the players," Nadal reflected.
“I enjoyed it a lot being a rival, being a good colleague on the tour. I think we shared and we spent some great moments together. I just want to congratulate you for everything.
“You achieved your dream of becoming one of the best players of the world. The best, some moments, and doing amazing things for the world of tennis.
“Just wish you sincerely all the very best in your future with the family, having fun, and I hope to keep in touch and see you around very often. All the best my friend.”
While Djokovic, who recently insisted that he has no immediate plans to retire, read out an emotional message to his long-time friend and on-court rival.
"Andy we were all hoping that this moment will never come, but here it is," he said.
"I just want to say congratulations for and amazing career. Multiple Grand Slams, No. 1 in the world, two Olympics gold medals, Davis Cup. I mean you have done it all.
"Amazing, really. We go back a very long time. I think we were 11 since we met the first time on the court. We had incredible encounters, rivalries, we played finals of every single Grand Slam.
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"You brought Wimbledon title to Britain and to UK after 77 years, unfortunately against me in the finals. But it was quite a special, historic moment that I cherish that I was really grateful to be part of.
"So you can be proud of the incredible resilience, fighting spirit and inspiration that you give to all of us really. After all the hardship that you went through, surgery, restrictions in your movements, you still kept going and you have shown to everyone that there's no letting go and no giving up.
"So kudos to you, and all the best to you and your family. And you deserve the best possible farewell. Bye bye my friend."
