Andy Murray ‘Regrets’ Making One Decision While Chasing Novak Djokovic: “Don’t Think I Should’ve Done That”

Andy Murray had a golden opportunity to reach the top of the No.1 rankings in 2016, and he did not let it slip by. After winning his career’s second Olympic gold medal in Rio, Murray didn’t celebrate; instead, he jumped on a plane and flew to Cincinnati to chase the No.1 ranking.

Murray reached his career-best ranking in November that same year. He dethroned Novak Djokovic from the top. But when Murray reflected on that season, he admitted that he regretted not celebrating his Olympics win.

The only week in that period that I regret was the week after the Olympics in Brazil, because, again, one of the things when you finish and reflect on is there is a lot of bad times in tennis, a lot of tough losses in big matches, that I wish I enjoyed the good times more.

Andy Murray said on Andy Roddick’s Served podcast at the Laver Cup

It was Murray’s career’s second Olympic gold medal. He won the first at the 2012 London Olympics by beating Roger Federer.

I don’t think I should’ve done that. Winning a gold medal is a big deal for me, and I certainly regret making that decision. But the rest of the tournaments during the year, no, I ended up winning, I think, from the US Open to the end of the year, every event- but that was my only chance to get to number one.

Andy Murray added

He became the first British man to end the season ranked No.1. Murray held the No.1 position for 41 consecutive weeks until Rafael Nadal replaced him in August 2017.

Andy Murray regrets not socializing with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic

Because of the cutthroat competition, the rivals usually do not socialize with one another. One of the reasons behind this is the fear of revealing their weakness. The Big 4, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, were such rivals, and so they avoided close friendships. But now that Murray has retired, he regrets not socializing with them.

I grew up with Rafa and Novak. Rafa is one year older. So I used to practice with them a lot. I trained at Rafa’s academy a little bit, and I love training and practicing with those guys, but I never socialized with them; I never went out for dinners with them or did any of that stuff. But I do regret that a little bit, not socializing a little bit more with those guys.

Andy Murray said Andy Roddick’s Served podcast at the Laver Cup

The Scot practiced with Nadal and Djokovic throughout his career. He also practiced with Federer early in his career, but he was about 20; the Swiss maestro didn’t want to practice with him because, at the time, he began to see Murray as one of his challengers.

Murray called time on his career at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and about four months later, Djokovic hired him as his coach but split after six months. Under the three-time Grand Slam champion, Nole reached the semifinals of last year’s Australian Open and the final of the Miami Open.

Djokovic, the only member of the legendary quartet yet to retire, last played in the first round of the US Open, where Mariano Navone defeated him in five sets. He will next be competing at the China Open, which starts on September 30. Djokovic, who has won six China Open titles, will be playing in Beijing for the first time since 2015.

Also read: Andre Agassi Says Jannik Sinner and Darren Cahill’s Coaching Partnership Will Eventually Reach Its ‘End Point’