Andy Murray announced his impending retirement at an emotional press conference at the Australian Open. Murray said he hopes to Wimbledon to be the “end point” but said retirement could come sooner.

Murray has struggled since his hip surgery last year. Murray said,
“I’m not feeling good. I’ve been struggling for a long time. Been in a lot of pain for 20 months now. Pretty much done everything I could to make my hip feel better. “Wimbledon is where I would like to stop playing but I’m not certain I’ll be able to do that. I’m not certain I can play through the pain for another four or five months.

Considered part of the Big Four along with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Murray achieved many firsts for Britain, including becoming the country’s first number one ranked player.

Murray’s career in numbers:

World Number One: Murray became the first British singles player ever to officially be ranked world number one on November 7, 2016. 
41 The number of weeks Murray spent on top of the rankings. 
Three grand slam titles 
11 grand slam finals 
45 career singles titles 
Two doubles titles – both with his brother, Jamie 
Two Olympic singles gold medals 
11 Murray won every rubber he contested to drive Great Britain to Davis Cup glory in 2015 
663 Tour-level matches won 
$61 million total career prize money
29 combined wins against Federer, Nadal and Djokovic

Hip surgeries are never easy to recovery from and play tennis at the highest level. But to see Murray go out limping is a bit sad. He had a great career by any measure and will be remembered fondly by fellow players and fans. He will especially remembered fondly in Britain for a long time.

Well done, mate!

We are looking at some blockbuster first round matches at the Australian Open on the men’s side of things.  Get some popcorn!

Stan Wawrinka vs Ernests Gulbis

Stan is slowly getting back into his rhythm.  Will be close but expect Wawrinka to win in 4 sets.

Nick Kyrgios vs Milos Raonic 

Milos should pull through.  Expect a few Kyrgios antics as always.

Dominic Thiem  vs Benoit Paire

Thiem didn’t have a good start to the year losing early in Doha.  But he should be able to handle Paire.  Thiem in 4.

Marin Cilic vs Bernard Tomic

It’s in Australia.  A big stage for Tomic.  He doesn’t have a record of winning tough matches on a big stage. Cilic in 3.

Roberto Bautista Agut  vs Andy Murray

Agut is coming off a win at Doha.  Andy looked shaky in practice.  I am not convinced he has fully recovered from his injuries/surgery.  Expect Agut to win easily in 3.

Kyle Edmund  vs Tomas Berdych

Berdych reached the final at Doha and should be to handle Edmund, who is a good player but doesn’t have a big shots. Berdych in 3.