“Don’t have too long left,” Andy Murray sparks retirement rumors once again after sealing 500th hardcourt win in Dubai against Denis Shapovalov
Despite 500th Win, Andy Murray admits he has short time in the sport.
Andy Murray (Via Imago)
Andy Murray has admitted that he “probably doesn’t have long left” of his career following his first-round victory over Denis Shapovalov in the Dubai Tennis championship. The British star earned his 500th hardcourt win with a fine performance against the young Canadian player.
The 36-year-old earned his first win of the season after beating Alexander Muller in Doha. Despite not making it beyond the third round after a loss to Jakub Mensik, the former Wimbledon champion battled from behind to win 4-6, 7- 6(5), 6-3 in Dubai.
Besides that, Murray has been in the spotlight after several poor performances this season. Many of his critics told him to hang his racquet, but the major title winner insisted on continuing playing.
Last week after earning his first win in the second round of the Qatar Open, Murray was seen mouthing that the game isn’t for him anymore. After his win today, the on-court asked him about his comments seeking more clarification.
People read a lot of meaning into what I say on the court. Sometimes I know it's not rational but everyone has to be about it all the time. So, like I said, I still love competing, I love the game. But can guess obviously it gets harder and harder when you got to compete with the young guys. You have to keep your body fit and fresh… Yeah, not easy and I probably don't have too long left. But I will do the best I can this last few months I've got.Murray explained
Murray, who won the Dubai title in 2017, will either face Gael Monfils or fifth seed Ugo Humbert in the second round. He also maintained his 18-5 record in the Dubai Tennis Championship.
Andy Murray joins exclusive list after 500th win
Murray is now the fifth man in the Open era to earn 500 wins on the hard court. The British legend made this career milestone in Dubai, after defeating Denis Shapovalov in the first round of the ATP 500 event in Dubai.
The 36-year-old has now joined the exclusive list of big legends like Roger Federer (783 wins), Novak Djokovic (700 wins), Andre Agassi (592 wins), and Rafael Nadal (518 wins).
Yeah, it’s not bad. Obviously, hard courts have been a great surface for me over the years, and yeah, 500 is a lot of matches, so I’m very proud of that. The list that you’ve given there, there’s not many players that have done that, so yeah, great to get to 500 before I’m done.Murray said about joining the elite list after winning
Andy Murray will be hoping to continue in his fine form and perhaps lift a title before waving goodbye to the court. Perhaps, Dubai is the perfect ground to win a title after seven years he last won it.
In case you missed it:
- WATCH: “Eagled Eye” Andy Murray wins 3 challenge calls and does the unbelievable against Denis Shapovalov in Dubai
- Novak Djokovic “thrilled” after nomination releases for Laureus World Sportsman of the Year giving the Serb a fifth strike at glory
Nikhil Sonmali
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