MELBOURNE – Tennis ace Andy Murray’s tearful announcement Friday that he’ll be forced to retire this year prompted a volley of tributes to the man, fond recollections of a historic career and encouragement to serve up a fitting farewell.
American star Andy Roddick led the tributes to the former world number one, describing his 11-time opponent as an “absolute legend” who is on the “short list of best tacticians” in the history of the sport.
“Unreal results in a brutal era. Nothing but respect here. I hope he can finish strong and healthy,” he said.
If this is true, I tip my cap to @andy_murray ! Absolute legend. Short list of best tacticians in history. Unreal results in a brutal era …… Nothing but respect here. I hope he can finish strong and healthy https://t.co/FZbwmvRC2r
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) January 11, 2019
Murray’s failure to recover from a long-term hip injury has put his dream to win next week’s Australian Open almost beyond reach.
Such is the level of pain that there is speculation he may not be able to go the distance, much less set up a dream farewell at Wimbledon this July.
Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro who fell short against Murray in a memorable 2016 Olympic gold medal game urged him not to throw in the towel.
“Andy, just watched your conference. Please don’t stop trying. Keep fighting,” Potro wrote.
“I can imagine your pain and sadness. I hope you can overcome this. You deserve to retire on your own terms, whenever that happens. We love you @andy_murray and we want to see you happy and doing well.”
https://twitter.com/delpotrojuan/status/1083554349056446465
The sentiment was echoed by tennis’ women stars, who Murray championed — famously rebuking a journalist for glossing over American greats like Serena Williams arguing for equal billing on the centre courts.
Indian star Sania Mirza dubbed him her “forever favourite” and a “#foreverachampion”.
https://twitter.com/MirzaSania/status/1083587288968220672
Legend Billie Jean King declared him a “champion on and off the court”.
“Your greatest impact on the world may be yet to come. Your voice for equality will inspire future generations.”
https://twitter.com/BillieJeanKing/status/1083567728869498881
That sentiment was echoed by Belgian four-time major winner Kim Clijsters, who like many could not help but be moved by Murray’s emotional announcement.
“My heart breaks listening to @andy_murray during his press conference,” she tweeted.
https://twitter.com/Clijsterskim/status/1083576807947784194
It is in his native Britain that the announcement will be perhaps most keenly felt.
Murray’s status as the greatest British male player in several generations meant he carried the expectations of a nation onto the court. By meeting them, his impact transcended tennis.
Many hoped he can muster the strength and fitness to return to the All England Club where he twice won in fairytale fashion for a career finale.
“He deserves his moment to say goodbye at Wimbledon. He’s too important to Great Britain and Wimbledon history to not have it,” said Roddick.
“He just needs to play any match for the goodbye he deserves.”
US Davis Cup captain Mardy Fish pointed to Murray’s famous determination, which helped him compete against stronger and more skilled players.
https://twitter.com/MardyFish/status/1083576421962915841
