- Andy Murray once again hinted at his retirement after beating Denis Shapovalov
- Murray suggested he probably ‘doesn’t have that long left’
- The comment came after what was one of his better wins in recent times
Andy Murray gave his clearest indication yet that this will be the final season of his extraordinary career, saying he only has ‘a few months’ left.
Ironically, the comment came after one of his better wins for some time, a comeback victory against former world number 10 Denis Shapovalov in Dubai.
“I probably don’t have that long left, but I will do my best in the last few months,” the 36-year-old Scot said after a 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 win.
“I still love competition and I still love the game, but it becomes more and more difficult to compete as you get older, to keep your body fit and fresh.”
Murray was on a six-match losing streak before winning in the first round in Doha last week. He then lost to 18-year-old Jakub Mensik, dropping him to 67th in the world, and seemed to say to his box: ‘This game is not for me anymore’.
Andy Murray dropped another retirement hint after his victory over Denis Shapovalov
Asked about those comments in Dubai, Murray said: “People read a lot into what I say on the pitch and it’s not always rational.”
But it’s clear retirement is on his mind, as he admitted at the Australian Open, saying: It’s certainly possible this is the last time I play here. I haven’t made a final decision yet, but I have talked to my family. They know very well how I feel, where I would like to end up playing, when that would be.’
It seems a safe assumption that July at Wimbledon – where he is a two-time champion – will be the target for his swan song, and that the timeline of ‘a few months’ would fit.
Murray produced a combative performance as he defeated Shapovalov 4-6 7-6 (5) 6-3
Although Murray could pull the plug sooner rather than later if he feels his form isn’t up to it. In that context, this was a good win, and his 500th on hard courts – a distinction shared only with Andre Agassi and the big three of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.
“Hard courts have been a great surface for me over the years and 500 is a lot of competition,” Murray said. ‘So yes, I’m very proud of that. It’s great to get that before I’m done.
The 36-year-old also hinted at retirement following his early exit from the Australian Open