Andy Murray, 37, announced his retirement from tennis following the men’s doubles quarterfinal loss at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Murray’s retirement brings to mind scenes from the recently released British documentary on Roger Federer, “Twelve Final Days,” which depicts the last 12 days of Federer’s professional career in 2022. The documentary shows Murray watching Federer after his final match, thinking about his future, which came to pass two years later in 2024. Murray’s 19-year-long professional career saw him winning the Grand Slam title three times, including the Wimbledon titles in 2013 and 2016 and the US Open once in 2012. He also secured Olympic gold medals for singles in London and Rio de Janeiro in 2012 and 2016, respectively.

Murray Bids Adieu To Competitive Tennis: “I’m happy with how it’s finished.”

Murray played his final match teaming up with Dan Evans in the doubles. Though they lost the game, Murray was content to bid farewell to competitive tennis, stating, “I’m proud of my career.” Retirement is a significant life event, and he expressed his emotions, saying, “Obviously, I was emotional because it’s the last time I will play a competitive match. But I am genuinely happy now. I’m happy with how it’s finished.”

Speculation about Murray’s retirement had been circulating due to his injuries, including two hip operations, one involving a metal implant in 2019 and surgery in June to remove a cyst from his spine. “The pain and discomfort in my body is not good, and that’s also why I’m happy to be finishing. If I kept going and kept trying, eventually, you end up with an injury potentially ending your career. So I know that now’s the right time. Physically, it’s been really hard”, PTI quoted him as saying.

What His Opponents Said:

Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, who defeated Murray and Evans in the match, expressed their respect for Murray. Fritz said, “We were pumped up to win, but it is sad, I guess, to see it end for Andy. He’s someone that both of us have looked up to for a very long time.”

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Three Takeaways from Murray’s Career and Retirement

Work Hard To Retire On Your Terms:

Murray wanted to retire on his own terms, and he did so, too. He stated, “I’m glad I got to go out here at the Olympics and finish on my terms.” His dedication culminated in historic moments, such as the Wimbledon win in 2013, when he became the first British man to do so since 1936.

Because of his hard work throughout his career, he could retire the way he wanted on his terms. As Murray said, “I knew that moment was coming for the last few months. If it didn’t happen today, that was going to be in a couple of days’ time, and I was ready for it.”

Start Exploring Options:

Retirement is inevitable for everyone. The retirement age could differ for people in varying professions, but retirement is inescapable. As he said, acknowledging the toll on his body, “The pain and discomfort in my body is not good, and that’s also why I’m happy to be finishing. If I kept going and kept trying, eventually you end up having an injury, potentially ending your career.” “So I know that now’s the right time. Physically, it’s been really hard.”

When Murray was battling with his injuries, he was also contemplating retirement. He thought about it many times before actually retiring. He also tried the role of TV commentator in the past but didn’t find it suitable. Exploring options and finding something suitable by the time you retire is important. Even if you don’t disclose it, you should know how to use the time after retirement when life is not so busy.

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It’s Okay To Take A Break:

While finding a purpose is vital to living a content life, taking a break from the fast-paced routine helps. Murray looks forward to spending time with his family, saying, “Being at home and being with my family and being a dad, that’s something I look forward to”.

Although retirement planning is about finances and finding a purpose to live, sometimes it is necessary to take a break, rejuvenate and resume. So, while you find your purpose, take some time off after retirement before you begin your post-retirement journey.