Murray, on his retirement: "I didn't know if it was the right time, I thought I wanted to continue"

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 28 Jul 2024 | 12.00

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Saying goodbye is never easy, but when you feel it's the right time, everything unfolds more smoothly. After multiple ups and physical issues, Andy Murray is gearing up to hang up his racket after these Paris 2024 Olympic Games. As he describes, his recent back injury has been the final straw. The British player reflects in an interview on the peak of his career, as well as explaining his journey to retirement.

The London Olympics, his most special moment

"Winning gold and silver in London was probably the greatest moment. Wimbledon was also incredible, but the way I felt that week in London was the most significant for me," Murray explains in an interview with Eurosport. "I don't always enjoy being on the court; competing stresses me a lot, but that week I was very happy. I enjoyed myself a lot throughout the week," says the British tennis player.

"Competing in the Olympics at home is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; you know you won't have that chance again. I made the most of the experience, for sure. I was lucky to win a couple of medals, and we were also very close to getting gold in the mixed category. I felt great during the week I played. I wasn't sure if I would win the final against Federer, but it was one of the best matches I've played. Everything clicked that week; I wish I could play like that more often."

A different atmosphere

"I've been very lucky. Athletes don't always acknowledge it, but it takes a lot of luck to endure for so long. There have been amazing athletes who have participated in five or six Olympic Games. I'm glad to be able to do it once more," asserts Andy, who withdrew from singles to focus on doubles. "It's very different, obviously; I'm familiar with Roland Garros and Paris, but the Olympic Games bring a different atmosphere. We experienced it in London; it's a very different feeling."

About his back issues and retirement

"Last year, I talked with my team about finishing this year. I also discussed it with my family, but until two or three months ago, I wasn't very happy about it. I wasn't sure if it was the right time, I thought I wanted to continue, but when I had the back problem at Queen's and had surgery, I knew I wanted to finish because my body said it was time. Physically, these past years have been very tough," explains Murray.

"When I had the surgery, I knew I couldn't play in the Olympics or Wimbledon. My recovery seemed worse than it was. The surgeons did a brilliant job, but it wasn't pretty. Now I feel good, I know this will be my last event, and I believe it's the right time. I'm sure now. I'm glad I took my time and didn't rush. I feel comfortable about it."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Murray, sobre su retirada: "No sabía si era el momento adecuado, pensaba que quería seguir"

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