Andy Murray retirement: Tears everywhere as British sporting icon ends career at Paris 2024

Andy Murray wept. Dan Evans wept. Even BBC TV host Clare Balding shed tears.

After Murray's successful career ended at the Paris 2024 Olympics, there was a large display of emotions.

At Roland Garros, Murray and his British teammates, along with the thousands of cheering fans, could feel the love and support as they heard their names being chanted.

The news was also widely experienced throughout the country, where a beloved sporting legend will no longer be seen playing professionally. Balding's response likely captured the emotions of those who have followed this British hero throughout the years.

"Of course, it was very emotional because it's the final time I will compete in a match," said Murray, who was also cheered on by his mother Judy in the audience.

"I am truly content at the moment. I am pleased with the outcome."

Murray is familiar with showing his emotions in public, of course.

One of the most memorable moments was when he cried on the Centre Court at Wimbledon after being defeated by Roger Federer in the 2012 final. This helped him gain more popularity among the British people.

"This is going to be really tough," he told Sue Barker on the court after the match that day, just before he started crying.

Earlier, he got emotional after losing the 2010 Australian Open final to Roger Federer. He joked that he could cry like Roger, but wished he could also play like him.

After achieving that first Grand Slam victory - and two additional ones later on - injuries eventually brought more sorrow.

In 2018, he cried nonstop while hiding under his towel at the Washington Open because he was struggling with pain in his hip.

Before the 2019 Australian Open, Murray got emotional in a press conference where he mentioned that he may have to stop playing tennis due to upcoming hip surgery. He believed that this surgery would mean the end of his career.

After five and a half years, and after making the most of his comeback, Murray was finally satisfied to retire.

"It's been difficult. I'm in a lot of pain and feeling pretty awful," he commented.

In terms of my physical ability, I am clearly able to step onto the court and compete at a level that is challenging.

We were getting close to reaching the medal rounds. Although we didn't quite make it, I am relieved to be finishing because the aches and pains in my body are becoming unbearable.

"If I persisted and continued to push myself, I eventually faced an injury that put my career at risk of coming to an end."

I understand that this is the perfect moment both mentally and physically.

Once Andy Murray had stopped crying at Roland Garros, he opened up about the difficult last few months he had experienced.

In March, a hurt ankle messed up his plans for his last season. When he finally made it back to compete, his farewell to Wimbledon was in jeopardy because he had to have surgery on his back to take out a cyst.

Murray had already accepted that he probably wouldn't have a "perfect ending," but he confessed that he worked extra hard on his rehab so he could compete in the Olympics.

"I'm happy I was able to come out here and end things the way I wanted to," he expressed.

In recent years, there were moments when that was not guaranteed.

"When I initially went for my back scan, the problems detected meant that I would not be able to participate in the Olympics or Wimbledon."

"I consider myself fortunate to have had the chance to compete here and participate in some fantastic games, resulting in unforgettable experiences."

Murray is widely recognized and valued by many individuals, even those who are not personally acquainted with him. He is celebrated as a sports icon who has elevated British tennis to unprecedented levels, a vocal supporter of gender equality in a male-dominated field, and an overall good-hearted individual with a sharp and witty sense of humor.

The funny side of his personality was evident once more right after he had finished talking to the press.

"He never really enjoyed tennis to begin with," he posted on social media. The description on his X profile was also modified from 'I am a tennis player' to 'I used to play tennis'.

There were people who liked him, some who didn't understand him at first but later changed their minds, and some who never understood him at all.

Evans praised him as a great player who has been a positive influence in British and global tennis for many years.

"He has addressed issues that others wouldn't dare to discuss. He's a commendable individual."

One way to assess Murray is by looking at the praise he received from a diverse range of supporters.

Novak Djokovic, who is often regarded as the best player in history, has been friends with Murray since they first crossed paths at the age of 12 while competing on the junior circuit.

The Serb, who was born a week after Murray in May 1987, only had good things to say about him.

He has been an amazing challenger on the tennis court and one of the most formidable fighters the sport has ever witnessed.

His determination and resilience will serve as a source of inspiration for future generations. I find his story incredibly motivating, despite the fact that we are the same age.

Carlos Alcaraz from Spain, a young player who has won four major tournaments by the age of 21, is stepping up to take the place of the older superstars who have retired. He expressed how happy he was to have the opportunity to play on the court with Murray.

"Bravo on an incredible career and for serving as a role model to everyone. You will always have a supporter in me," he penned.

Not only did his fellow tennis players offer their condolences, but there were also messages of admiration from fans and important figures in the tennis community, such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Starmer expressed his gratitude to Andy Murray for providing amazing entertainment and showcasing great sportsmanship over the past twenty years. He praised Murray as a true British legend.

Shortly after Murray said goodbye, the Lawn Tennis Association revealed that they had decided to change the name of the main court at Queen's Club to the Andy Murray Arena.

The blog quickly mentioned that they had just invested £5 million to create a significant facility in Murray's hometown of Dunblane.

Additional honors will be given in the upcoming years.

Evans made a humorous remark that he couldn't stand the thought of a statue of Murray being erected at Wimbledon. This idea has been suggested frequently and has been a topic of discussion among officials at the All England Club.

"He will have a house in Scotland and most likely in Wimbledon as well. He definitely deserves to be knighted, I can say that for sure," Evans said with a smile.

No matter what people remember most about Murray's career, and no matter what he chooses to do in the future, it is clear that British tennis, and possibly all of British sports, will miss him greatly.