Andy Murray has hinted that retirement isn't too far away after losing to Tomas Martin Etcheverry at the Australian Open on Monday morning.
The Briton had entered the tournament hoping to summon the magic of old and go on a stunning run Down Under.
Yet Murray struggled on Monday, with Etcheverry winning 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 to book his place in the secound round of the competition.
The 36-year-old has struggled with injuries in recent years and the manner of his latest defeat will have fans worried.
Andy Murray has suggested he may have played his last Australian Open match after Tomas Martin Etcheverry defeat
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Murray seemed well off the pace and made too many errors as Etcheverry booked his place in round two.
Now, speaking at a press conference after the match, the Briton has admitted there's 'definitely a possibility' that he's played at the Australian Open for the last time.
“I’m disappointed,” Murray said. “Not much went right.
"It was a poor performance and it was very, very flat.
“It was an amazing crowd out there and they were trying to pick me up.
"Usually I would try and get them going and try and get energy to the match, but it was just a flat performance.
“I don’t know why. I played well in Brisbane and I practiced well in the 10 days coming into this.
“It’s definitely a possibility that’s the last time I play here. Probably because of how the match went.
“While you are playing the match you are trying to control your emotions and then you can’t believe it’s over so quickly.
"In comparison to last year, it’s the complete opposite.
“I wish I had involved the crowd more and I’m disappointed with the way I played.
"Disappointed with the way I finished.”
If Murray has indeed played at the Australian Open for the last time, he can hold his head up high.
It is a tournament where he has made the final five times over the years, losing on all of those occasions.
Murray first played in the Australian Open final back in 2010, with Roger Federer getting the better of him that year.
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Andy Murray was consoled by Tomas Martin Etcheverry after his Australian Open defeat
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The Briton experienced similar heartache 12 months later, with Novak Djokovic reigning supreme.
And Djokovic also beat Murray in Australian Open finals in 2013, 2015 and 2016 as well.
As for Etcheverry, meanwhile, the 24-year-old was delighted with his victory with a match against Gael Monfils up next.
"It was an incredible match for me," he said.
"It's very tough to play with a legend like Murray. He's one of my idols.
Andy Murray cut a dejected figure after losing to Tomas Martin Etcheverry at the Australian Open on Monday morning
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"We play two times last year and there were long battles like this.
"Today I played incredible and I hope I can continue this level in the next match."
On his hopes for the season, he added: "I want to keep going. I work so hard, need to improve a lot of things in my game and am trying to be in the top 20 this year."
