Britain’s Andy Murray gestures to the general public after taking part in towards Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka throughout their males’s singles match on day one in all The French Open tennis match on Court docket Philippe-Chatrier at The Roland Garros Advanced in Paris on Might 26, 2024. (Picture by Alain JOCARD / AFP)
Andy Murray mentioned he was “proud” after his French Open profession ended Sunday with a primary spherical defeat by 2015 champion and fellow three-time Grand Slam title winner Stan Wawrinka.
Murray, the runner-up at Roland Garros in 2016, misplaced 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 in his final singles look on the match earlier than retiring later this yr.
The 37-year-old had already introduced he plans to name time on his profession in the summertime with Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics as the 2 high-profile occasions left on his schedule.
Andy Murray hints heading into ‘previous few months’ of his profession
On Sunday, he left to a standing ovation from the group on Court docket Philippe Chatrier and Murray returned the gesture by applauding the followers.
In addition to his run to the ultimate eight years in the past, when he misplaced to Novak Djokovic, Murray reached the semi-finals 4 instances and the final eight twice.
“Most gamers would join the outcomes I’ve had right here,” he mentioned.
“In a distinct time possibly the outcomes would have been a bit totally different.
“I had nice reminiscences… It was not a straightforward floor for me. However I at all times confirmed up and put in some sturdy performances, contemplating. It was a great run right here through the years.”
It was Murray’s first look at Roland Garros since shedding to Wawrinka within the first spherical 4 years in the past and solely his second since a dramatic semi-final defeat by the Swiss in 2017.
The Briton has struggled in current months with an ankle damage however opted to not have surgical procedure in a bid to play a final French Open.
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“Generally now while you do have an damage it simply takes just a little bit longer in your physique to get used to the depth of the matches and stuff,” added Murray, who mentioned he would subsequent play on the grass-court occasion in Stuttgart, which begins the week after Roland Garros.
“My physique isn’t what it was, you recognize, 10 years in the past. I’m absolutely conscious of that.
“It takes quite a lot of effort and time to get it ready to go on the market and compete.
“It’s not at all times good. However it’s what it’s and I nonetheless get pleasure from giving a go and making an attempt to get myself on the market and be as aggressive as potential.”
Wawrinka, who has now defeated Murray 3 times in 4 conferences in Paris, described his opponent as an “wonderful champion”.
The Swiss veteran goes on to face both Cameron Norrie of Britain or Russia’s Pavel Kotov for a spot within the third spherical.
Wawrinka grew to become solely the third man over the age of 39 to win a match on the French Open since 1980.
“He achieved the whole lot a participant might obtain in tennis,” Wawrinka mentioned of Murray, towards whom he trails 13-10 of their head-to-head file.
“He’s a tremendous champion, wonderful man. I believe he has quite a lot of followers, lots of people begin taking part in tennis due to him. I respect him lots.
“I loved taking part in him lots final 20 years. We performed so many instances, so many massive battles. Hopefully he’s going to maintain going just a little bit.”
