‘Free’ Andy Murray admits he doesn’t miss playing after retirement

Andy Murray retired from professional tennis in August this year at the Paris Olympics, where he played men's doubles.

‘Free’ Andy Murray admits he doesn’t miss playing after retirement

Andy Murray (Via Imago)

Former World No. 1 Andy Murray has admitted that he doesn’t miss professional tennis after retiring from the sport last month. The British legend bid farewell to tennis at the Paris Olympics in August.

Murray played 1,001 matches and secured 46 career singles titles. His major achievements include three Grand Slam singles titles, one World Tour Finals title, and two Olympic singles gold medals.

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Since I've stopped, I feel really free and have got lots of time to do whatever it is I want. I can dedicate time to my children and have free time to play golf or go to the gym on my own terms. It is really nice and I didn't expect that. I was expecting to find retirement hard and be missing tennis a lot and wanting to get back on the tennis court on tour. So far it has been the complete opposite to what I was thinking.
Andy Murray said on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme

Murray’s level wasn’t the same after Wimbledon 2017, where he injured his hip in the quarterfinal against Sam Querrey. The right-hander was unable to fully recover from his initial hip surgery and announced his first retirement in January 2019, before the Australian Open.

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However, he returned to action after having a metal hip implanted. Despite his comeback, he was unable to reach the standards that made him World No. 1 eight years ago.

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Andy Murray admits difficulty in overcoming media expectations during playing days

Andy Murray is regarded as one of the greatest British athletes, having won three Grand Slam titles and reaching the World No. 1 ranking. Despite his achievements, Murray has often faced criticism in the media.

Andy Murray
Andy Murray (Via Imago)
It was really hard for me at times, reaching the final at Wimbledon and being criticised for your work or feeling you are not good enough. Which I think is wrong and I don't know if that would be the case in every country. It might have not been the case, but my perception was I was feeling I was being attacked even when I was doing really well, and that was pretty hard.
Andy Murray said

Murray has always considered Wimbledon his favorite tournament. However, the expectations surrounding his performances at SW19 added pressure. In his runner-up speech at the 2012 Wimbledon Championships, Murray explained the difficulties British players face in meeting those expectations.

Nonetheless, it is safe to say that the Dunblane native exceeded them. He ended Britain’s Grand Slam drought by winning the 2012 US Open, defeating Novak Djokovic in a five-set final.

At the 2013 grass Major, Murray ended Britain’s 77-year wait for a British Wimbledon champion by once again beating Djokovic in the final. The 37-year-old retained his Wimbledon crown in 2016, defeating Milos Raonic in the final.

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