Andy Murray insists he’s NOT missing tennis and claims that retirement has been ‘the complete opposite’ to what he expected’, as he reveals the sport he’s been playing instead

Andy Murray has revealed he has swapped tennis for golf and claims his retirement is proving to be ‘the opposite’ of what he expected.

The 37-year-old ended his glittering career in July after he and Dan Evans were eliminated in the men’s doubles event at the Paris Olympics.

Murray took a long leave from the sport and saw himself become a national hero. He had struggled with injuries for years, but announced that 2024 would be his last year on the tour.

Like many former greats before him, Murray feared that quitting football would be difficult. However, he admitted that his concerns were unfounded – for now at least.

“Since I stopped I feel really free and have all the time to do what I want,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “I can spend time with my kids and have time off to play golf or go to the gym when I want.

The 37-year-old played his 1,001st and final match of his career at the Olympic Games in Paris in July

Murray revealed he is spending more time on the golf course since retiring. Pictured: Team GB Olympic doubles partner Dan Evans (right)

“It’s really fun and I didn’t expect that. I expected that I would find it hard to retire and that I would miss tennis a lot and that I would want to be back on the court on tour.

“So far it’s been the exact opposite of what I thought.”

Murray won three Grand Slam titles during one of the most competitive eras in men’s tennis. His second triumph ended Britain’s 77-year wait for a men’s singles winner at Wimbledon.

The former star added another SW19 victory, as well as two Olympic gold medals.

Murray, a father of four, also said he no longer has to feel guilty now that he no longer has to balance family life with a professional sports schedule.

“The thing that I’ve always found difficult over the last few years is that I’ve always felt guilty about what I’ve done,” he added. “If I’d go away for a three- or four-week trip, I’d feel guilty about leaving my kids at home or being away from my wife for a long time, so it was hard for me to miss the kids.

‘But when I was home with the kids, I would run around and stand on my feet a lot after training.

“I thought, ‘Is this going to affect my training or performance the next day? Should I put my feet up?’ I’ve found that difficult the last couple of years.”

British tennis fans are hoping that with the emergence of Jack Draper, who reached the semi-finals of the US Open, the wait for the next Wimbledon men’s champion will not be so long.

Murray’s departure from tennis leaves Emma Raducanu as the only British singles Grand Slam winner on both tours. The 21-year-old left no room for nostalgia when asked about the veteran ahead of her campaign at Flushing Meadows.

Murray claimed he now feels guilt-free as he no longer has to choose between spending time with his family and preparing for tournaments. Pictured: Wife Kim Sears

Emma Raducanu claimed the fast-paced tennis world has moved on since Murray’s retirement

Raducanu controversially withdrew from the mixed doubles match with Murray at Wimbledon, a decision that ended the Scot’s career at SW19 before he made his final appearance in Paris.

“It doesn’t feel any different. Tennis is unforgivable in that sense,” she said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, it just goes on. There’s always another match, there’s always another tournament.

‘Of course Andy has achieved great things and I have seen him win this tournament (in 2012), but it is a fast pace, just like life. It is old news the next day.’