Andy Murray marks tennis retirement at Olympics with sarcastic five-word salvo after losing in men's doubles
Andy Murray has now retired from tennis after losing at the Olympics
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Andy Murray has joked that he 'never even liked tennis' after his tennis career came to an end at the Olympics on Thursday evening.
The three-time major champion confirmed before the 2024 Olympic Games got underway that he was going to retire from tennis after the tournament.
After pulling out of the singles draw, it meant his last professional match was going to come alongside compatriot Dan Evans in the men's doubles draw.
The British pair then embarked on an incredible journey as they pulled off two incredible comebacks to reach the quarter-finals.
Andy Murray has now retired from tennis after losing at the Olympics
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But Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz proved too tough of a test for Murray and Evans to get past as the British duo crashed out.
There were tears from both Murray and Evans as chants of 'Andy' rang around the arena before he waved farewell for one last time.
But the 37-year-old was still able to crack a joke online in his first post since entering retirement.
"Never even liked tennis anyway," he wrote on X.
He gave a more in-depth insight into how he was feeling to the media after his loss to Fritz and Paul.
"I have been ready for this moment for the last few months since I had the operation on my back - I knew it was the right time and I feel lucky to come and compete here," he said.
"I am grateful to Dan Evans for putting in the effort he did to giving us a good chance to having a great run. I am looking forward to stopping now."
He added: "I gave as much as I could to the sport and I love competing in the Olympic Games.
Andy Murray and Dan Evans were in tears at the end
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"These weeks are so special and I will definitely miss them – I have done everything I could to prepare for this event.
"It would have been a fairytale ending to win a medal, but it wasn’t to be.
"Proud to be a part of Team GB and I will miss it."
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Andy Murray has been well prepared for retirement
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Murray isn't sure how he will mark the first night of his post-playing career, although he was already eyeing a return home to his family.
"I have four children below the age of eight so lay-ins don’t happen," he added.
"I don’t know what I will do tonight! I can do whatever I want now, but I want to go home and spend time with my children."