Andy Murray’s entire year has been dominated by questions over his future in the sport, and his terrible form on the court has not assuaged such interrogation.
Losing in the first round of the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Stuttgart, Geneva, Montpellier and Marseille, to name a few, the tennis world has slowly come to the realisation that the three-time Grand Slam champion is so far from what he once was.
His outstanding hip injury had foretold such a sad ending, but it really feels cruel to see such a sparkling career fizzle out like it is even if it is miraculous that he is playing at all.
But, all good things must come to an end, and we have now been given a more concrete hint as to when that conclusion might come.
Andy Murray plans retirement date
Speaking to BBC Sport yesterday, just after Andy Murray played Tommy Paul in a practice set ahead of Queen’s, the Scotsman was supremely open and honest in his assessment of his future.
Many have questioned when the 37-year-old might retire, and with fitness and form failing him in 2024, it felt like a matter of when rather than if.
And now, having given this interview, that notion is only emphasised.
He told reporters: ‘I don’t think so [he will continue to the Davis Cup or US Open].
‘Probably if I was going to finish my career I would rather finish at Wimbledon or an Olympic Games – to me that would probably be more fitting.
‘I’ve had amazing experiences and memories from Wimbledon, but also being part of British Olympics teams.’
Andy Murray is a true legend of the sport
Even if he has endured a slow and laboured end to his career, few can deny the impact that Andy Murray has had on tennis, both on and off the court.
On it, it is a testament to his talent and work rate that he is widely recognised as the unofficial fourth member of the Big Three.
And then off it, the way in which players like Naomi Osaka have praised Murray for his equal pay advocation is just a sliver of why everyone adores him.
Somewhat steely and unmoving on the surface, scratching a little deeper reveals a wealth of personality to go alongside the three Grand Slams, two Olympic Gold Medals, and one ATP Tour Finals success among many, many other titles.
This is without mentioning the further eight Grand Slam finals he reached, losing to only Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer at that stage.
Murray is a Great British sporting legend, and should be remembered as such long after he does retire.
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