Andy Murray admitted the end of his career is nigh after a horrible “flat” defeat at the Australian Open – and he could quit this summer. The Scot, who turns 37 in May, lost in straight sets to world No.32 Tomas Martin Etchevery.
Murray said before the start of the season that this could be his last if he is again dogged by injuries. But after this humbling defeat, he could stop sooner with Wimbledon, the Paris Olympics or the US Open – the scene of his first Grand Slam victory in 2012 – the choices for his farewell.
“I have an idea of what I would probably like to finish playing,” he said. “Yeah, so much of that depends on how you’re playing.
“The time frame for that narrows when you play and have results like today. Look, I know that Tomas is a really, really good player. I’m aware of that. Even if I play well today, I can still lose the match. It’s just the nature of the performance that makes you question things.
“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.”
The world No.44 has now lost four matches in a row dating back to October and seven of his last eight – the worst run of his career.
Asked if he will consult his family and coaching team before making a decision, the three-time Grand Slam champion added: “I’ve spoken to them about it. It’s not like it hasn’t been something that’s been on my mind.
“I haven’t made any definite decisions on that. It’s obviously something that I need to think about and see exactly when that is.”
Murray has enjoyed his most consistent success at Melbourne Park and lost his finals here to Novak Djokovic (four times) and Roger Federer (2010).
“It’s a definite possibility that will be the last time I play here,” he said. “ I don’t know. Whilst you’re playing the match, you’re obviously trying to control your emotions, focus on the points and everything. When you’re one point away from the end, you’re like: ‘I can’t believe this is over so quickly, and like this’. I wish I had involved the crowd more. Just disappointed with the way I played and all of that stuff. Tough, tough way to finish.”
