Andy Murray has dropped a huge retirement hint after his disappointment in the 2024 Australian Open.
In front of a packed crowd inside the KIA Arena in Melbourne, Australia, five-time runners-up Murray was swiftly beaten 6-4 6-2 6-2 by Argentine Tomas Etcheverry.
This was only Murray’s second-ever first-round defeat at the Australian Open since 2008, with the last coming in 2019 when he lost in a five-set marathon against Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.
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Back in 2019, Murray’s future was plunged into darkness after he revealed he had been suffering from hip problems.
However, the former world number one underwent surgery in a bid to prolong his illustrious career.
Speaking after his defeat by Etcheverry, a downcast Murray hinted at a possible retirement.
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When asked if this could be the last time he plays at an Australian Open, the Scotsman said: “It's a definite possibility that will be the last time I play here. I think probably because of how the match went and everything.
“While you're playing the match, you're obviously trying to control your emotions, focus on the points and everything. When you're one point away from the end, you're like, 'I can't believe this is over so quickly, and like this’.”
Murray continued: “In comparison to the matches that I played here last year, it's the complete opposite feeling walking off the court. I wish I involved the crowd more. Just disappointed with the way I played and all of that stuff. (It's a) tough, tough way to finish.
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“It was a poor performance. It was, like, very, very flat. It was an amazing crowd out there that were trying to pick me up, support and get behind me. Usually I would always engage the crowd and get them going and bring some energy into the match. It was really just a flat performance.
“I don't know exactly why that was the case because I've been feeling good going in. Played pretty well in Brisbane. Practiced really well the last ten days or so. Bizarre feeling on the court today.”
Murray is often regarded as one of the best players of his generation alongside the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
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Throughout his career, Murray has won Wimbledon twice, the US Open once and is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Featured Image Credit: Eurosport/GettyTopics: Tennis, Andy Murray, Australian Open
