30 January 2024 , 21:16
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A defiant Andy Murray has declared that he be won't retiring from tennis any time soon, despite being in a "terrible moment."
Murray, 36, is enduring a wretched start to 2024, having been raring to go after years of dealing with injury hell. His 20th season on the ATP Tour has begun with three straight defeats, the latest of which came in the first round of the Montpellier Open on Monday.
The Scottish legend was beaten by French opponent Benoit Paire - who hadn't won an ATP match in 18 months - over three sets. But when it was suggested that he should hang up his racket, Murray issued a spiky response and vowed that he "won't quit." "Tarnishing my legacy? Do me a favour," the two-time Wimbledon winner snapped back on social media platform Twitter/X.
"I'm in a terrible moment right now I'll give you that. Most people would quit and give up in my situation right now. But I'm not most people and my mind works differently. I won't quit. I will keep fighting and working to produce the performances I know I'm capable of."
Now on a dire run of eight losses from his last nine matches, those who believe that Murray should retire aren't alone. Some are even predicting that his final bow will come at Wimbledon this summer.
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Speaking in December, Murray admitted that this year could be his last if he's unable to improve on his underwhelming performances in 2023. "If I was in a situation like I was at the end of last year, then I probably wouldn't go again," the 36-year-old revealed in an interview with BBC Sport.
"But then if physically I'm doing well and my results are good and I'm playing well, then that's enjoyable and I could see myself still playing. We'll see how the year goes, see how the body holds up. If things are going well, I'd love to keep going. But if they're not, and I'm not enjoying it, it could be the last year, yes."
Your turn! Should Andy Murray retire from tennis? Give us your verdict in the comments section.
Andy Murray was defeated in the first round of the Montpellier Open (Icon Sport)Having lost to Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the first round of the Australian Open earlier this month, Murray was asked whether he'd consult his family and coaching team before making his eventual decision. "I've spoken to them about it. I've spoken to my family about it. I've spoken to my team about it," he confirmed.
"Well, yeah, they're very aware of how I feel about things, where I would like to finish playing when that would be. I haven't made any definite decisions on that. Yeah, it's obviously something that I need to think about and see exactly when that is. I have spoken to my team about it. I've spoken to my family about it multiple times. It's not like it hasn't been something that's been on my mind."