Former world number one Andy Murray has admitted that he might have played his last match at Melbourne Park after exiting in the first round of the Australian Open.
Murray, a five-time finalist at the Australian Open, was beaten in straight sets by 30th seed Tomas Etcheverry, with a scoreline of 4-6, 2-6, 2-6 in just under two-and-a-half hours.
The three-time Grand Slam champion has struggled to return to his peak form after undergoing multiple hip surgeries and has not reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam since his 2017 Wimbledon campaign.
Murray’s 2024 exit was a sharp contrast to his 2023 performance at the Australian Open, where he triumphed in two thrilling five-set matches before being eliminated in the third round.
Emotional as he left Kia Arena, Murray bid a long farewell to the crowd. After the match, the 37-year-old admitted that he might have played his final match in Australia.
“Yeah, it’s a definite possibility that will be the last time I play here. And yeah, I think probably because of how the match went and everything, I don’t know,” he shared.
“While you’re playing the match, you’re trying to control your emotions, focus on the points. But when you’re one point away from the end, you can’t believe it’s over so quickly, and like this.”
“Yeah, compared to the matches I played here last year, it’s the complete opposite feeling walking off the court. I wish I had involved the crowd more. Just disappointed with the way I played, all of that… so, yeah, tough, tough way to finish.”
At one point in his career, the Australian Open was Murray’s most successful major, with five finals in seven attempts.
