Reactions to Andy Murray news: Juan Martin del Potro, Billie Jean King & co pay tribute

The tennis community has paid tribute to Andy Murray after he announced he is to retire from tennis with Juan Martin del Potro and Billie Jean King leading the way.

Juan Martin del Potro knows a thing or two about struggling with injury.

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

The great Billie Jean King.

.@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

Four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters.

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

Former ATP Finals winner Grigor Dimitrov.

Tennis will come to an end for us all but the friendships will last a lifetime. What you’ve done for the sport will live on forever. I’m hoping for a strong and healthy finish for you, my friend! @andy_murray pic.twitter.com/Bcs0cdllJp

— Grigor Dimitrov (@GrigorDimitrov) January 11, 2019

Two-time Grand Slam finalist Kevin Anderson.

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

Former world No 1 Andy Roddick calls him one of the “best tacticians in history”.

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

Roddick goes further.

Just thinking out loud here. He deserves his moment to say goodbye at Wimbledon. He’s too important to Great Britain and Wimbledon history to not have it….. Would be a pretty cool moment to play doubles w his bro at Wimby if he can’t play singles https://t.co/m7caeL2shX

— andyroddick (@andyroddick) January 11, 2019

The Rafa Nadal Academy will certainly miss him.

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

Former world No 2 Magnus Norman.

If true. Feel down to the bone for Andy Murray right now. Amazing player, fighter, nr 1 and multiple GS champion. Deepest respect.

— Magnus Norman (@normansweden) January 11, 2019

Two-time Grand Slam winner Sam Stosur pays tribute to the “great guy”.

Australia's @bambamsam30 is one of many players saddened by the news. pic.twitter.com/Kf2ac2iDVb

— Tennismash (@tennismash) January 11, 2019

New US Open Davis Cup captain is confident Andy Murray will make it to Wimbledon.

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

The up and coming Karen Khachanov.

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

One of tennis’ great coaches, Darren Cahill.

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

And from tennis fans.

Sad seeing #AndyMurray announce he is likely done. Loved watching him at the US Open, He could be both frustrating & inspiring at the same time but you knew more often than not he would find a way to win. He made us use Scotland & Tennis in the same sentence. Thank you Andy. 😥 pic.twitter.com/3Kso6rxzfL

— Allan Fiddes (@Allscot5) January 11, 2019

Very sad to see #AndyMurray career cut short. My favourite sports man outside of football, the ultimate competitor who in an era of 3 of the greatest of all time found a way to win 3 Grand Slams, 2 Olympic titles and a Davis Cup. A man that got everything out of his ability

— Shaun Lawthom (@ShaunLawthom) January 11, 2019

FYI I’m sat at 4am in my bedroom sobbing my heart out watching the retirement press conference in Australia. That’s what he means to me. I woke up knowing something was wrong. Or jet lag. Or both. #AndyMurray

— northernbirdy (@northernbirdy) January 11, 2019

One of my sporting heroes is to retire but he will retire a champion with a never say die attitude and as a true modern day man #AndyMurray #scotlandsgreatest

— Jon Monteith (@MonteithJon) January 11, 2019

It hit me hard, I cried. 😭

Andy has shocked the tennis universe by announcing that the upcoming Aus Open may be his final tournament.
The man who ended 77-year drought for British at Wimbledon.
Sorry you can't retire on your own terms, Andy. 🙏#AndyMurray #AusOpen #atp pic.twitter.com/QdAFckMnCR

— Sourabh Suman (@Imsourabhsuman) January 11, 2019

When you google the phrase class act in future, the search engine, indeed any search engine, should first and foremost come up with a picture of #AndyMurray

— Brogan Rogan Trevino (@BroganRoganTrev) January 11, 2019

More from Tennis365:

• • VIDEO: Full press conference as Andy Murray announces plans to retire from tennis

  • 2019 major predictions: Will Novak Djokovic win the calendar Grand Slam? Will Serena Williams win No 24?

  • 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

  • Ten facts about Kyle Edmund on his birthday, featuring Liverpool, Ricky Ponting and Drake