Andy Murray endured a tough defeat at the Dubai Tennis Championships, falling in straight sets to Ugo Humbert in the second round. The loss, marked by visible frustration on the court and multiple outbursts, prompted Murray to address speculation about his impending retirement from the sport.
Speaking to the press after his 2-6, 4-6 loss, the three-time Grand Slam champion expressed doubt about his future in tennis, suggesting that he is unlikely to continue playing beyond this summer. Murray expressed weariness about being repeatedly questioned about his retirement at tournaments, admitting he was “bored” of the topic.
“I mean, I’m likely not going to play past this summer. I get asked about it after every single match that I play, every single tournament that I play. I’m bored by the question, to be honest,” Murray remarked, as quoted by the Express.
This revelation doesn’t come as a surprise, as the 36-year-old had acknowledged earlier in the week that his time in the game is limited. “I love competing and still love the game, but it gets harder and harder, the older you get, to compete with the young guys and keep your body fit and fresh, so yeah, not easy.
I probably don’t have too long left. I’ll do the best I can these last few months,” Murray had previously stated.
Murray also disclosed his intention to participate in one final French Open this year, marking a notable departure from his recent avoidance of clay surfaces to preserve his body.
“Last few years I’ve tried to give myself maybe better preparation for the grass season, but that also doesn’t guarantee that you’re going to play well on the grass,” Murray explained. “I’ve had experiences throughout my career where I didn’t play the French Open in 2013, and I won Wimbledon.
I also played in the French Open and did well in 2016. I don’t think it makes a huge difference if you get an extra week’s practice or so on the grass. So yeah, I would like to play one more time,” he added.
