Andy Murray reveals how practice session with Novak Djokovic prompted retirement

Andy Murray has opened up about how feeling “helpless” against Novak Djokovic in a practice match prompted his decision to confirm his upcoming retirement.
The former world number one announced on Friday that he aims to make this year’s Wimbledon his last tournament after failing to recover from a hip injury.
Earlier this week he played reigning world number one Djokovic in a practice match ahead of the Australian Open, and was able to take just two games from 12. It proved too much to bear.
“It was the feeling that I had during the practice, of how I’m able to play like I am in the state that I’m in,” Murray said. “You just feel helpless on the court – and it sucks.
“I’ve played I don’t know how many hours of tennis against Novak here over the years. I haven’t won the matches, but most of them have been really tough, physical matches.
“Although I didn’t win, the competitiveness was always there, but yesterday there was none of that and there was no feeling of rivalry. I was just not happy with the way I felt on court.”
More from Tennis365:
-
-
-
Australian Open men’s draw: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray in same half
-
Australian Open women’s draw: Simona Halep and Serena Williams in same quarter
-
‘I struggle to put shoes and socks on’: Andy Murray reveals true extent of injury
-
Comment: Best of British Andy Murray deserves so much better than forced finish
-
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s nightmare run continues: How big a setback is the Cincy defeat ahead of the US Open?
Naomi Osaka’s latest defeat a big blow ahead of the US Open.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal explains how he deals with pressure after Carlos Alcaraz’s frank admission
Rafael Nadal says it is about “playing freely” and “just enjoying every match”.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu resumes trial with Dmitry Tursunov: ‘We need to see how we compliment each other’
Emma Raducanu and Dmitry Tursunov working together again in Cincinnati.
-
ATP Tour
Cincinnati schedule and streaming details: When are Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz, Nick Kyrgios playing?
A couple of big guns open their Western & Southern Open accounts on Tuesday.
-
US Open
Daniil Medvedev ‘would love to see’ Novak Djokovic play at US Open to reignite his rivalry with Rafael Nadal
Daniil Medvedev wants to see Novak Djokovic play at the US Open.
-
Tennis News
Iga Swiatek hoping to catch Serena Williams’ eye and say ‘hi’, but admits she is ‘too shy’ to introduce herself
Will Iga Swiatek get to say “hi” to Serena Williams before the tennis icon retires?
-
WTA Tour
Serena Williams vs Emma Raducanu: What time is the big match and where to watch it…
A quick lowdown on the mouthwatering Serena Williams vs Emma Raducanu clash.
-
WTA Tour
Wimbledon champ Elena Rybakina shakes off slow start for Cincy win, but Leylah Fernandez exits
Elena Rybakina gets out of early trouble to advance in Cincy.
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz admits he ‘couldn’t handle the pressure’ in Montreal, but eyes improvement in Cincy
Carlos Alcaraz determined to step up after Montreal disappointment.
-
ATP Tour
Gutsy Andy Murray hoping for a day off before battle of the Brits
Andy Murray needs a day off before his battle of the Brits showdown with Cameron Norrie.