Andy Murray pictured on Roland Garros training court just hours after he confirmed his upcoming retirement – as tennis legend hits balls with Team GB partner Dan Evans ahead of Paris Olympics campaign
Andy Murray took to the training ground ahead of his Olympic campaign in Paris, just hours after announcing his imminent retirement.
New photos show the 37-year-old tennis legend hitting a ball with his Team GB partner Dan Evans on the court at Roland Garros, where Roland Garros is held every year.
The Scot is competing in his fifth Olympic Games and became the first man in history to retain his singles gold medal at Rio 2016.
He forms a strong Team GB line-up with Evans, Jack Draper and Cam Norrie, all hoping for a successful season starting next Saturday.
Today’s footage shows Murray, dressed in a lime green top and navy shorts, being put through his paces on the clay court by the team’s coach.
Andy Murray pictured on the training field at Roland Garros with Team GB partner Dan Evans (far right) this afternoon
New photos show the tennis legend, 37, hitting a few balls on the court at Rolland Garros, where the French Open is held every year
Sir Andy Murray pictured with his gold medal after beating Switzerland’s Roger Federer in the final at Wimbledon, London, in 2012
Murray became the first player to successfully defend an Olympic singles title in Rio in 2016
Shortly afterwards, the two-time Wimbledon champion appears to take Evans aside and discuss tactics with the Englishman, currently ranked 59th in the world.
Murray can also be seen at the net, where his teammate is ready to return a shot from another teammate who is out of range.
The pictures come just hours after the Scot confirmed he would retire after the Paris Olympics.
Murray made the announcement via social media as he arrived in the French capital ahead of the Games.
Posting a photo of himself on the podium at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil, he wrote: ‘Arrived in Paris for my very last tennis tournament @Olympics.
‘Competing in the British Championships was by far the most memorable week of my career and I’m incredibly proud to be doing it again.’
Murray won gold at London 2012 by beating Roger Federer in the final and successfully defended his title four years later in Rio by beating Juan Martin del Potro.
The 37-year-old, who ended a 77-year wait for a British singles champion at Wimbledon in 2013 and won the trophy again in 2016, had previously indicated he was unlikely to continue his career beyond this year.
Sir Andy pictured with Evans as the two appear to discuss tactics ahead of the tournament
Murray pictured talking to a team coach in preparation for his fifth Olympic Games
Sir Andy pictured on the clay court, ready for his final tennis tournament
The photos come just hours after the Scot confirmed he would retire after the Paris Olympics
Sir Andy’s successful career has seen him play in major tournaments. Seen here celebrating after beating David Goffin to win the Davis Cup Final in 2015.
The Scottish hero was given an emotional and star-studded farewell earlier this month at Wimbledon, the tournament where he won two of his three major titles, after suffering a first-round defeat to his brother Jamie in the doubles.
Murray, who underwent surgery on June 22 to remove a cyst in his spine that was pressing on his nerves and causing him to lose control and strength in his right leg, decided he was not fit enough for the demands of singles competition at the All England Club.
Murray’s hopes of a final mixed doubles victory at Wimbledon against former US Open champion Emma Raducanu were dashed when she withdrew due to a wrist injury.
Tennis competition at the Olympic Games begins on July 27 and Murray, who made his debut at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, will play alongside Dan Evans in both the singles and doubles at his fifth and final Games.
Murray won silver in the mixed doubles at the London Olympics, where he partnered Laura Robson.
The former world number one revived his career after undergoing hip surgery in 2019, but has since struggled to reach the final stages of major tournaments and suffered an ankle injury in Miami earlier this season.
“I’m ready to stop playing,” Murray had said at Wimbledon. “I don’t want to. I’d like to play forever.
“This year has been tough with the ankle, and of course the back surgery, the hip. I’m ready to quit because I can’t play at the level I want to anymore.
“I know it’s time now. I’m ready.”
Murray, pictured with mother Jude, wife Kim and father Will (L-R), was given his OBE in 2013
Murray became the first British men’s champion since Fred Perry to lift the trophy at Wimbledon in July 2013 after beating Novak Djokovic
He underwent surgery to remove a cyst in his spine after being withdrawn from the Queen’s Hospital on June 19
Murray bid an emotional farewell to Wimbledon’s Centre Court earlier this summer
First Minister John Swinney was quick to praise Murray, who was born in Glasgow and grew up in Dunblane, Stirling, after his announcement.
In a message on X, Mr Swinney thanked the 37-year-old for “an outstanding and inspiring career that has had a profound impact on so many”.
Murray’s mother, Judy, also responded in a message to X: ‘5th Olympics. Last tournament.’