Andy Murray reveals how close he could be to announcing his retirement
There has been plenty of debate over how long Andy Murray will continue to play at the highest level and now he has given a big hint that he could be very close to the end of his remarkable career.
Murray has struggled to find consistency since returning to the singles court following hip surgery, with the Scot suffering a series of disappointing setbacks in the final months of the 2022 season.
Now the two-time Wimbledon champion has told the BBC that his career could end soon, after admitting he will not attempt to return from another serious injury.
“If my body is in good shape and I’m still able to compete consistently, I’ll keep playing,” Murray said.
“But I can’t look so far in advance with the age I’m at and with the issues I’ve had. If I was to have a big injury, I probably wouldn’t try to come back from that.”
Murray suggested results in the last few months have focused his mind on what comes next in his career.
Yet he still seems committed to the challenge or reviving his glory days, after putting in a strong training block in recent weeks.
“I spent three weeks in Florida, getting my body right and getting some work done on my game and it went really well,” he stated.
“I’m certainly in better shape than I was. A lot of work was done in the gym, trying to build up my endurance and my stamina a bit and I’m hoping that’s going to help me next year.
“I wasn’t happy with how last season went – certainly the last six months or so from a physical perspective – but my ranking still went from 125 to 50 in a year.
“I’m hoping that this year, with the work I’ve done, things will continue to improve and I’ll still be motivated to get out there and compete.”
Murray has predicted there will be plenty of competitive edge when his Team Scotland take on Team England this week in the Battle of the Brits.
The showcase event, once again overseen by Murray’s brother Jamie in his role as tournament director, pits the neighbouring nations against each other between Wednesday and Friday.
Bragging rights rather than ranking points are on the line but, with pride to play for and a healthy crowd expected to pour into Aberdeen’s P&J Live to see the action, the former Wimbledon champion is anticipating a keenly-fought contest.
Andy Murray is in action on for Scotland all three days, taking on England’s Jack Draper initially, British number two Dan Evans in the marquee singles match on Thursday.
Then he will be teaming up with Jamie in doubles action against Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski to close the show.
Paul Jubb makes up the away team, with Jonny O’Mara and Aidan McHugh completing the Scottish foursome.
“All of the players that are here are very competitive. You’ve got myself, Jamie, Neal and Joe have all been number one in the world,” added Murray.
