Andy Murray loses in first round of Australian Open as retirement approaches

By ADAM ZAGORIA

Andy Murray lost in the first round of the Australian Open in what could be his final match ever at the year’s first Grand Slam event.

Despite a hip injury that has limited his movement and caused him pain, the 31-year-old Scot has said he hopes to continue playing through Wimbledon, the Grand Slam he has won twice.

“I’ve loved playing here over the years, this is an amazing place to play tennis,” Murray said on court after losing to No. 22 Roberto Bautista Agut, 4-6 4-6 7-6(5) 7-6(4) 2-6. “If this was my last match, amazing way to end. I gave literally everything I have. It wasn’t enough tonight.”

“If this was my last match, it was an amazing way to end.”

– Andy Murray ?#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/84qZiqau1C

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2019

Bautista Agut was interviewed first after the match and paid Murray his own tribute.

“Andy deserve all this atmosphere,” he said. “Andy deserve all the people that came to watch him.”

Murray seemed to leave the door open for rescinding his retirement announcement by saying if he chose to undergo a major hip operation he might return.

“Maybe I’ll see you again,” Murray said. “I’ll do everything possible to try. If I want to go again I’ll need to have like a big operation which there’s no guarantees I’ll be able to come back from anyway. But I’ll give it my best shot.”

After Murray spoke on court, the Australian Open presented a video tribute featuring Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, John Isner, Nick Kyrgios and Caroline Wozniacki congratulating Murray on his career and wishing him well in retirement.

A member of the so-called “Big Four,” Murray played during an era when Federer (20), Nadal (17) and Djokovic (14) combined to win 51 major titles to Murray’s three. Murray has lost five Australian Open finals to Djokovic (4) and Federer (1), but he won the US Open once, Wimbeldon twice and two Olympic gold medals.

“I’ve been very fortunate and unlucky I guess to compete in an era with some of the guys that have been around,” Murray said. “Roger, Rafa, Novak have been incredibly difficult opponents but I have a lot of respect for them. We’ve had some incredible matches, great battles that tennis fans all around the world will remember when we all finish. Obviously to have the respect of your peers is the most important thing. It’s very nice that they took the time to do that for me.”

An amazing tennis player.

But an even better person.

Thank you, @andy_murray ?#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/uRPBLC2zY6

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2019

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