Andy Murray contemplates future after first-round exit at Australian Open | Tennis News
Five-time finalist Andy Murray has said there was a “definite possibility” that he has played his final Australian Open tournament after slumping out at the first hurdle.
The 36-year-old put up stiff resistance in a 61-minute first set against Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry on Monday, but the 30th seed slowly ground him down to win 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 at the year’s first tennis Grand Slam.
Murray had a frustrating end to 2023, winning just one match in his last four tournaments, and said previously that unless his form picked up the curtain could be coming down on his career.
“Yeah, it’s a definite possibility that will be the last time I play here,” he said.
“In comparison to the matches that I played here last year, it’s the complete opposite feeling walking off the court. Wish I involved the crowd more. Just disappointed with the way I played. Tough, tough way to finish.”
The British player, who won Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016 and also took the US Open title in 2012, is part of a golden generation coming towards the end of trophy-laden careers.
Roger Federer retired in 2022 and Rafael Nadal had an injury-blighted 2023 and is absent from the Australian Open with a muscle tear.
At 36, Djokovic is still hoping to add to his record haul of 24 Grand Slam titles before hanging up his racquet.
Murray said he had spoken to his family and coaching staff about when he might quit.
“They’re very aware of how I feel about things, where I would like to finish playing, when that would be,” he said.
“I haven’t made any definite decisions on that. It’s not like it hasn’t been something that’s been on my mind.”
He added that the time frame on when he will retire “narrows when you play and have results like today”.
“I haven’t gained in belief from today’s match that at some stage I’m going to start playing really well again or winning tournaments or getting to the latter stages of major events.”
Whatever it is, it always has and always will be a pleasure @andy_murray ❤️@AustralianOpen | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/5VwMRhxP1n
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 15, 2024
Meanwhile, two-time finalist Daniil Medvedev and US Open champion Coco Gauff swept into the second round, but Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova was also sent packing.
On a baking-hot day at Melbourne Park, men’s seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and women’s sixth seed Ons Jabeur also tasted victory, ahead of Naomi Osaka’s Grand Slam comeback in the evening session.
