Andy Murray: I do not want 2023 Wimbledon to be my farewell

Andy Murray says that he knows when he wants to retire from the tennis circuit – but it will not be this summer, barring some unforeseen setback.

At 36, Murray’s determination to wring the last drops out of his career tends to draw mixed reactions, with some observers praising his resilience while others wonder why he bothers.

But Murray says that he is influenced by the advice of older players, who invariably tell him to put off retirement as long as possible. According to the retirees, nothing can replace the thrill of performing in front of a crowd.

Asked if next week’s Wimbledon could be his last, Murray replied: “I hope not, but you never know. Athletes need to make the most of it while they’re still able to.

“If I were to have another big injury or something happened with the metal hip, that would be me finished. I wouldn’t try and come back from another operation.

“I want to keep playing a bit longer I know it’s not going to be going on forever, but I have an idea when I’d like to finish, and it’s not this year’s Wimbledon.”

‘I don’t want to finish with an injury or where I cannot play properly’

In an interview with Sky News, Murray acknowledged that there is an element of uncertainty when you reach your late 30s.

“I don’t want to leave too soon,” he said, “but I’m also aware that – after everything that I went through – I don’t want to finish with an injury or where I’m not able to play properly.

“I want to finish on the court and I want to finish on my own terms. I still think I am doing myself justice. I can still play at a really high level, I definitely feel I can do that for a couple more years.”