In a heart-wrenching moment yesterday, British tennis lee Andy Murray exited from the Wimbledon Championships. But the world witnessed a spectacular performance by Stefanos Tsitsipas, perhaps one of his best matches to date. The rumors concerning the retirement of senior players are getting strong every day. From legends to commoners, everybody has an opinion on it. After Murray’s loss yesterday, the American tennis legend John McEnroe gave his views about the Brit’s future.
McEnroe speculated about the future plans of Murray and also explained the reasons why it is difficult for Murray to sustain his high intensity performances in the professional level.
John McEnroe’s theory on Andy Murray’s retirement
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While talking to the BBC, McEnroe opined that Murray might need to amend his future plans given the recent loss. He said, “He will probably go to the Olympics, maybe he’s got that in mind, he wants to play for his country. I’m guessing but at this point, he may have to reevaluate.”?Murray holds an excellent record at the Olympics, having won 2 gold medals. The champion could not avoid a loss yesterday, and the sixty-four-year-old questioned his resilience.
The three time Grand Slam singles winner could not help himself from expressing his emotions when he was losing. It is unlike Murray to be frustrated mid-match. Taking this into account, McEnroe said, “He does love to play and after all he’s been through it should certainly be on his terms, what he wants. But how long can a guy who should be in the top five stay at 40, 50 in the world? How long can he take that mentally?”
Murray was the former ATP no. 1, but now he had to strive hard to emerge in the list of the Top 50 players. Though McEnroe says it is difficult for Murray to return for the next Wimbledon, the former British number one thinks otherwise.
The painfully long road Murray traveled to maintain his form for Wimbledon
The former world number one previously revealed that he had a date for retirement in his mind. But that was before Wimbledon. Tim Henman opined, “First and foremost it’s the dejection of a phenomenal competitor and he knows that he’s been playing very, very well, he knew the opportunity he had. That’s the raw emotion of it right now. But I think with all the work that he’s putting in and looking at his schedule, I definitely think he will be back at Wimbledon.”
The Greek did not spare Murray even a set on the second day of the match. After his loss in the second round, the Brit said that it is hard to find motivation to move on from losses like these and rise again. Asked if he would play in the next Grass Slam, Murray said if he finds the right motivation, he might. He also added that it would take a while longer for him to recover from this loss.
Will Andy Murray play at #Wimbledon again? pic.twitter.com/1JB0Xyud3w
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 7, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The two-time Wimbledon champion battled his way on the grass by winning the Rothesay Classic Open. He reached the top 40 by claiming a title on grass after 5 years. This lifted his spirits of going as far as possible in Wimbledon. But given the rules of Wimbledon and its unsettling schedule, Murray had to pause the match when he had an upperhand over Tsitsipas. From then, it was the Greek who ruled on the court.
What do you think? Will Murray make another Wimbledon appearance?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY:?Sister Love In Full Display As 42-year-old Venus Williams Posts A Heart-felt Message To Serena Williams On Her Undisputed Glory Alongside Novak Djokovic