Andy Murray explains why he is finding it challenging to call time on his tennis career.
The Brit has been a professional tennis player since 2005 and by 2008 he had made his first Grand Slam final and was one of the world’s top players.
Within the following two decades, he became a three-time Grand Slam champion, the World Number one and claimed two Olympic gold medals.
But over the last several years the 37-year-old has struggled with injuries which have impacted his performances and results on the court.
Now approaching his late thirties, Murray is much closer to the end of his career than the beginning, and he is finding it tough to contend with.
What has Andy Murray said about retirement?
Murray has faced more and more questions about the retirement later in his career, including whether or not he wants a farewell tour.
Some players, such as Roger Federer, have made peace with ending their careers and are enjoying life post-tennis, but hanging up his racket is something Murray is struggling with.
“The thing that is difficult is that for most people, in most jobs, retirement is seen as a positive thing,” he told the Sunday Times.
“They retire at a specific age, it’s something to look forward to – a time to put your feet up and enjoy the rest of your life. But I don’t see it like that. I’m not happy about it. I still feel young.
“I won’t want to stop playing but, obviously, if I’m not getting the results I want and my body’s not feeling good, that draws you to conclude about whether you should keep going – or stop.”
Andy Murray’s final match could take place at Wimbledon
Murray has hinted that he may retire from tennis later this year, before he had back surgery over the weekend.
After retiring from his match against Jordan Thompson at Queen’s, he underwent a procedure on a cyst in his spine.
His status for Wimbledon is currently unclear, with his team releasing a statement with an update after his operation.
“Following his surgery on Saturday, Andy is continuing to work with his medical team to confirm when he will return to the court,” Murray’s team said.
“At this stage, no decisions have been made and we will update further as soon as anything has been finalised.”
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