British tennis player Andy Murray has announced he is planning on retiring after Wimbledon but admitted next week's Australian Open could be his last event.
The 31-year-old has endured continued injury trouble over the past two years and underwent surgery last year on a chronic hip problem. Speaking at Melbourne Park, the three-time major champion had to initially leave the press conference before returning to explain the situation.
"Not feeling good. Been struggling for a long time. I've been in a lot of pain for what has been about twenty months now. I pretty much have done everything I could to try to get my hip feeling better and it hasn't helped loads."
He told reporters that while "Wimbledon is where I would like to stop playing", next week may be the end.
I’ve pretty much done everything that I could to try and get my hip feeling better and it hasn’t helped loads… I think there is a chance the Australian Open is my last tournament.
An emotional Andy Murray had to walk off before coming back to announce he's planning to retire because of his hip injury. pic.twitter.com/AMWP4UpkV9
— ESPN (@espn) January 11, 2019
There has been a huge reaction to the news with the tennis community uniting to wish Murray well.
A wonderful message to Andy Murray from @NickKyrgios 🙏
(via Instagram) pic.twitter.com/JbbdJoHoJz— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 11, 2019
Andy will always be a titan of our sport. A hero of mine throughout my career. A true warrior whenever he steps on the court. https://t.co/Ka6fq5jy4B
— John Millman (@johnhmillman) January 11, 2019
My thoughts are with @andy_murray and I really hope we continue to see you fighting on court so you can retire on your own terms. Get well soon... Tennis is better with you. pic.twitter.com/0z1401hKXe
— Kevin Anderson (@KAndersonATP) January 11, 2019
Andy, just watched your conference. Please don’t stop trying. Keep fighting. 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. 🙏
— Juan M. del Potro (@delpotrojuan) January 11, 2019
When you search for examples of “emptied the bucket to be as good as they could be” there should be a picture of Andy Murray sitting under that quote. Remarkable discipline for training, competition, sacrifice, perfection, a little crazy 😃 but a legend of a bloke. Bravo Andy 👏
— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) January 11, 2019
Andy Murray announced he will retire this year. You don’t know how much we are going to miss you, @andy_murray! 😢 You are an example of a great athlete and person. 😘 pic.twitter.com/5crbArh7N5
— Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rnadalacademy) January 11, 2019
