Australian tennis hero Wally Masur doesn’t want to see Andy Murray try and prolong his career following his exit from the Australian Open – and has picked Wimbledon as the ideal farewell tournament for the former world No 1.
Murray cut an emotional figure as he exited the Australian Open after a straight-sets defeat to Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the first round.
The British sporting icon stated before the major that he was only going to continue playing as long as he continued to progress and challenge at the top of the men’s game.
But his first-round exit at the Australian Open has raised fresh questions over his future in the sport and the three-time major champion indicated after the match that his retirement will likely come at some point in 2024.
Andy Murray has teased his impending retirement
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Murray admitted it was “definitely a possibility” he had played his last Australian Open match, although he refused to reveal when he was thinking of calling time on his illustrious career.
Masur feels Murray may have lost that “pop” ability to compete with the best in the men’s game.
“He got beaten up, just got beaten up by a very, very good player,” Australian tennis great Masur said on Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily.
“As a tennis player, as you get older, you just have an ‘old’ day, you feel a step slow, more often than not the serve lets you down. You just don’t seem to have any pop in the shoulder.
“Andy has been such an awesome player. I mean, his commitment to the game, what he’s achieved in an incredible era is amazing.
“He’s been so good for tennis. He’s such a smart player. People love him and he will go out on his terms. Absolutely.”
While accepting Murray will dictate his own retirement plans, Masur feels Wimbledon would be the perfect setting for his final farewell.
“From the outside looking in, it’s like an old boxer, having won too many fights,” Masur added.
Andy Murray won Wimbledon back in 2013
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“You don’t want to see him tarnish his legacy by just making up the numbers.
“Look, his choice, I get it… but let’s hope that Andy enjoys his time on the court a little more going forward than he did yesterday. But maybe Wimbledon is time.”
While Murray exited the tournament at the first round, four Brits made it through to the second round across the men’s and women’s draw.
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Andy Murray looked emotional as he left the Australian Open
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Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu won their respective first-round matches and are on course to face one another in the third round if they both reach that stage.
In the men’s draw, Jack Draper came from 2-1 down to beat American Marcos Giron in a five-set thriller and faces Tommy Paul in the second round.
British No 1 Cam Norrie made light work of his opening match as he defeated Juan Pablo Varillas in straight sets and faces qualifier Giulio Zeppieri next.
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