Andy Murray will go down in history as arguably the greatest player never to win the Australian Open…
Murray played and lost five Australian Open finals between 2010 and 2016.
He lost to Roger Federer once and Novak Djokovic four times in those finals, as he failed in his bid to lift the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
After losing to Djokovic in the 2016 final, Murray never returned to the quarterfinal stage.
He travelled to Melbourne as a player one final time in 2024, eight months before he retired from tennis at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Unfortunately for Murray, he was unsuccessful at the Australian Open last year, losing his first-round match to Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
But what did Murray say after losing his final match Down Under?
Andy Murray was ‘disappointed’ with the way he played in his final match at the Australian Open
Losing to Etcheverry 4-6, 2-6, 2-6, Murray looked emotional as he waved goodbye to the crowd on the Show Court Arena.
During his post-match press conference, Murray was asked if that was a ‘farewell’ to Melbourne.
“I mean, definitely. Definitely a possibility. Yeah, it’s a definite possibility that will be the last time I play here,” he said.
Which tennis player am I thinking of?
“Whilst you’re playing the match, you’re obviously trying to control your emotions, focus on the points, and everything. When you’re one point away from the end, you’re like, I can’t believe this is over so quickly.
“In comparison to the matches that I played here last year, it’s the complete opposite feeling walking off the court.”
Murray was involved in a few classics at the Australian Open in 2023, including a five-set marathon win over Thanasi Kokkinakis.
The crowd were on their feet for that match, but Murray didn’t give them much to cheer for in 2024.
“Yeah, wish I had involved the crowd more. Just disappointed with the way I played and all of that stuff, so… Yeah, tough, tough way to finish,” he said.
“The support that the crowds here over the years have given me has been unbelievable. Particularly like the last few years, yeah, it’s been great.
“Today they all showed up again and gave me brilliant support. I didn’t give enough. I felt like I didn’t give enough back, and I’m disappointed with that because they have helped me a lot over the years in matches here.
“They were definitely there to try to do that again for me today. I didn’t use the crowd and their support to my advantage like I should have done. I’m disappointed with that.”
Murray didn’t have the Melbourne send-off he hoped for, but had a chance to redeem himself in 2025…
Andy Murray returned to the Australian Open as a coach in 2025
Sending the tennis world into a frenzy, Murray agreed to coach Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open.
The two former rivals were unlikely partners, but their relationship started well, as Djokovic advanced through the draw without too much trouble.
Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open
- 2025 Australian Open 1R – Novak Djokovic defeated Nishesh Basavareddy, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2
- 2025 Australian Open 2R – Novak Djokovic defeated Jaime Faria, 6-1, 6-7, 6-3, 6-2
- 2025 Australian Open 3R – Novak Djokovic defeated Tomas Machac, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4
- 2025 Australian Open 4R – Novak Djokovic defeated Jiri Lehecka, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6
- 2025 Australian Open QF – Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4
Shocking Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, Djokovic looked like a strong contender to win the title.
Unfortunately for Djokovic, injuries prevented him from going much further, and he retired from his semifinal match after just one set.
A poor run of results on clay followed, before Murray and Djokovic parted ways.
If Murray is to finally get his hands on the Australian Open trophy, he’ll have to do it with someone else…
Who would you like to see Andy Murray coach next?
Perhaps the likes of Jack Draper or Emma Raducanu will enlist Murray in the future, as they look to their fellow Brit for advice.
Only time will tell if we will see Murray return to Melbourne, but it certainly feels like the Brit has unfinished business Down Under!
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