A tearful Andy Murray told the crowd ‘I don’t want to stop’ as he spoke of how injuries had taken their toll on his career in an emotional farewell on Centre Court.
He was surprised by Sue Barker who led a hero’s tribute for the Scots tennis star moments after he lost his doubles match with his brother Jamie.
The former Wimbledon presenter said she was ‘not going to miss this’ as she stepped out onto Centre Court for the farewell that ended in a standing ovation.
LEGENDS WERE IN ATTENDANCE FOR HIM
Stars Novak Djokovic, John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova were among the tennis greats that also lined the back of the court to honour Murray’s achievements.
Murray could not hold back the tears after a video montage telling the story of his career, with contributions from Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, played on the screens.
His wife, Kim Sears, two of his children and his mother and father Judy and William Murray, were spotted watching on from the players’ box.
FAREWELL SPEECH
‘The last few years have been hard for me but I think hard for (my team),’ an emotional Murray told Barker.
‘Yeah, it has obviously been hard for all of us. The injuries have been tough, quite significant injuries and we’ve worked extremely hard just to be on the court competing. Probably not at the level any of us wanted, but we tried.
‘It was obviously really special (to play with Jamie). We never got chance to do it before and the way things worked out, there was a chance.
‘Jamie’s usual partner played with Neal Skupski, he asked me and it was a bit of a race to get out here. Physically it wasn’t easy but I am glad we did it.
‘Look it is hard because I would love to keep playing but I can’t. Physically it is too tough now, all of the injuries, they have added up and they haven’t been insignificant.
‘I WANT TO PLAY FOREVER’
‘I want to play forever, I love the sport and it’s given me so much. It’s taught me loads of lessons over the years I can use for the rest of my life. I don’t want to stop so it is hard.’
Andy and Jamie were defeated 7-6 6-4 by Australian duo John Peers and Rinky Hijikata in a tight match on Centre Court this evening.
IT WON’T BE MURRAY’S LAST WIMBLEDON APPEARANCE YET
But Murray’s last Wimbledon is not over yet and he is set to take to the court with Raducanu in the mixed doubles competition.
Ms Barker said she wanted to take advantage of Murray being on Centre Court ‘to celebrate all you have achieved and pay tribute.’
She then addressed his parents Judy and William Murray, saying: ‘An amazing 10 grand slam titles between these two brothers.
‘All I can say to mum Judy and dad Will – congratulations you have produced two outstanding champions.’
Ms Barker stopped presenting Wimbledon in 2022 while ‘still on top’ of her game, having made a career as one of the country’s leading TV presenters.
She previously spoke about how she of presenting Wimbledon before enjoying the SW19 championships as a fan last year.
