Novak Djokovic‘s heartwarming message for a “great champion,” Andy Murray is too adorable to miss! Despite the Serb leading with a 25-11 in his total 36 on-court meetings against the British, he has always been in awe of Murray’s incredible playstyle. Stating how the three-times Grand Slam champion’s decision for Wimbledon “was worrying,” Djokovic explains why a legend like Andy Murray deserves “a great farewell.”
Sky Sports Tennis shared a clip where Serbian ATP star Novak Djokovic expressed his admiration and best wishes for legendary Andy Murray. “I heard that he underwent a surgery less than a week ago or maybe less than a week ago. You know that was worrying, but you know that the fact that he can hit the ball is great. It is a great great sign, and he definitely deserves a great farewell from his favorite tournament, the tournament he won twice and won the Olympic games here. That’s definitely one of our legends of our sport,” Djokovic said.
"He definitely deserves a great farewell, he's a legend of our sport" ❤️
Novak Djokovic pays tribute to Andy Murray and says "he should finish on his own terms" 🎾 pic.twitter.com/dgcyBAW9x4
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) June 29, 2024
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The British Grand Slam champion faced an unexpected retirement from the Queen’s Club Championships’ second round following a back injury. Three days after this incident, Murray underwent a spinal cyst injury, which usually needs a six-week recovery time. Murray’s operation took place on 22nd June, and he is returning to Wimbledon within a week, which is concerning for the health of the player.
This British former Wimbledon champion revealed in February that he wanted to try Wimbledon this year. In fact, he also said that if he qualifies for the Paris Olympics, then he might retire from the sport after the games. Admitting the “risk” of his participation, Murray has left a sudden unpredictability about Wimbledon.
The British ATP star awaits his first match at the British Slam against the Czech Republican Tomas Machac on Tuesday. However, Murray definitely is not in his best form. “I’m just trying to do what I can, trying to keep progressing each day. Whether there’s enough time or not, I don’t know, but I’m trying,” he said.
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Novak Djokovic’s heartwarming tribute to Murray showcases his admiration for the British ATP star. Earlier in 2023, we saw a similar moment when Djokovic dropped a great compliment for the British ATP star.
Novak Djokovic hailed Andy Murray as a “great champion”
During the 2023 Australian Open, the eventual winner, Novak Djokovic, shared praise for the British ATP star after the latter’s heroic winning in the second round. Murray defeated Thanasi Kokkinakis by 4-6, 6-7(4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 7-5 in a match that went on for a staggering 5 hours and 45 minutes. This match was Murray’s 19-year-long career’s longest match, and he entered the third round of the Aussie tournament after six years.
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Watching the clash go on well past 4 am with Murray’s incredible on-court spirit and resilience on display, the Djoker commented, “Phenomenal fighting spirit of a great champion! Really inspirational! Well done, mate.”
Novak Djokovic’s heartwarming message about Murray’s retirement shows the impact the Briton has left on the tennis world. It further shows how tennis brought a sense of respect between two rivals, encouraging friendship and professionalism beyond competition.