World sends heartfelt messages to retiring Murray

Published Jan 13, 2019

Andy Murray announced on Friday that he'll be retiring from tennis at some point this season—best-case scenario at Wimbledon, but earlier if his hip injury proves too painful.

The great champion and overall well-liked guy he is, Murray naturally received an outpouring of supportive messages on social media from admirers all over the world.

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"That was kind of the first time I kind of came out and let everyone know how bad it's been and tough," Murray said. "I felt a lot better after that. But obviously, like, the reaction, I was really surprised. I genuinely was not expecting it to be like that at all."

His tennis-playing peers were perhaps the most in awe of his amazing career, having witnessed so closely all that the Scot has given to the sport.

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

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Congrats @andy_murray for all your achievements all these years. It was great to play against you all these years. Good luck with everything! https://t.co/BaOsYZ5KTo
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) January 11, 2019

My heart breaks listening to @andy_murray during his press conference... Hope he will make it through to Wimbledon and have the farewell he deserves . #greatguy
— Kim Clijsters (@Clijsterskim) January 11, 2019

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🙏🏻🙏🏻 https://t.co/GRmFIqPNqQ
— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) January 11, 2019

.@andy_murray You are a champion on and off the court. So sorry you cannot retire on your own terms, but remember to look to the future. Your greatest impact on the world may be yet to come. Your voice for equality will inspire future generations. Much love to you & your family. https://t.co/AQUOP3LGec
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 11, 2019

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What a champion! All class @andy_murray 👏🏻
— Sam Groth (@SamGrothTennis) January 11, 2019

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Really sad to hear that @andy_murray 😢You are a true champion of our sport and great example for all of us!Stay strong 🙏🏻 https://t.co/Bw8ZIF0QUM
— Karen Khachanov (@karenkhachanov) January 11, 2019

The @andy_murray that I know will absolutely make it to Wimbledon to play his final tournament. Not many with more heart, effort in the history of the game. Was always a pleasure to share the court pal.
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) January 11, 2019

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So sad for @andy_murray . Hands down one of the best guys on tour. So much respect for him as an all around athlete and person. Hope his body can recover. If not, he will be missed by all. 😔
— Vasek Pospisil (@VasekPospisil) January 11, 2019

Juan Martin del Potro, who's had his own struggles with injuries and pain, could relate to Murray on a visceral level.

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

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And Nick Kyrgios, who saw Murray as a mentor, didn't hold back any earnestness.

Analysts, unsurprisingly, had the utmost praise for the three-time Slam champion:

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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

Hearing the news from @andy_murray is gut wrenching It is an athlete’s goal to retire on their own terms That’s been stolen from him He will be sorely missed let’s all enjoy what’s left & from this tennis fan Thank you @andy_murray
— Paul Annacone (@paul_annacone) January 11, 2019

And fans, stunned and heartbroken, shared both their love and their sadness:

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Thank you for everything @andy_murray ❤️ You’ve been an inspiration for me for so many years and I know this decision must’ve been incredibly difficult, but your health comes first. I’m so sorry it ended like this, but what you did for this sport will never be forgotten.
— Thaís (@thais__ferrari) January 11, 2019

My heart breaks for Andy. This is not the way such a great career should end. It’s just not fair. 😔 https://t.co/oRb7Em1oSS
— kristina (@kikiborojevic) January 11, 2019

Murray took the court on Monday against No. 22-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut, falling in four sets.

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In his last #AusOpen match, Andy Murray fights incredibly hard to comeback from two sets down in extreme pain but falls just short.

Roberto Bautista Agut wins 4-6 4-6 7-6(5) 7-6(4) 2-6. pic.twitter.com/CoiObtKQue
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2019

It's uncertain what will be in store for Murray beyond Melbourne, but he'll surely remain one of the most revered figures in tennis.

World sends heartfelt messages to retiring Murray

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