The emotional tribute that brought tears to Andy Murray’s eyes at Wimbledon before Novak Djokovic

It is the end of an era. The close of a legendary era that had as its protagonist Andy Murray, the Briton who knew how to shine on the grass of the All England Club, where he achieved glory with two Wimbledon titles (in the 2013 and 2016 editions) and an Olympic gold medal when the international event was held in London. The former world number one, forced to withdraw from the singles draw due to a back injury, fell in the first round of the doubles with his brother Jamie, in a duel that ended 7-6 and 6-4 in favor of the Australians John Peers and Rinky Hijikata.

However, the Briton has one last chance in mixed doubles, where he will team up with Emma Raducanu. The duo will face Salvadoran Marcelo Arévalo and Chinese Shuai Zhang on Friday at 7am (Argentina time).

On February 28, following a 6-2, 6-4 defeat to Frenchman Ugo Humbert at the ATP 500 in Dubai, the Scot announced that he would probably not play once more following the European summer. Affected by persistent physical problems, the legend expressed his desire to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. This is an event that has a special meaning for him, having won gold in London 2012 and repeating the feat in Rio de Janeiro 2016 by beating Juan Martín Del Potro in the final.

Aware that this might be his last appearance at Wimbledon, the organisers prepared an emotional tribute in which a video was shown with greetings from various tennis personalities, followed by a ceremony attended by figures such as Novak Djokovic, Lleyton Hewitt and Martina Navratilova, as well as his family members. During the ceremony, Sue Barker, the historic presenter of the English Grand Slam, came out of retirement to interview him on an unforgettable day. “I would like to continue playing, but my body won’t let me,” said Murray at the end of the interview, on the verge of tears.

It should be noted that Murray, along with Nole and Rafael Nadal, were included in the list for the Olympic tournament that will be held in the French capital. Daniil Medvedev was also included, who will technically compete as a “neutral” athlete and will not represent Russia due to the war in Ukraine. The Serbian and the Scot are 37 years old, while the Spaniard is 38 and has several Grand Slam titles to his name. To take into account, Djokovic has 24 Grand Slam trophies, but has never won Olympic gold.

Rafa has 22 Grand Slam titles to his name, as well as Olympic golds in singles and doubles in 2008 and 2016. His motivation is so great that he decided to skip the grass at Wimbledon to concentrate on the clay where Roland Garros is held annually.

Murray, who has three major titles to his name, is the only player to have won back-to-back titles at the Games. He has said he intends to retire following his adventure in the City of Lights, which runs from July 27 to August 4.

Among the women, the list includes world number one, Iga Swiatek of Poland; number 2, American Coco Gauff; as well as number 4, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina. Meanwhile, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka (3) decided not to participate following receiving an invitation as a neutral athlete.