Tennis world comes out in support of injured superstar Andy Murray

He’s a three time Grand Slam champion and one of the hardest workers on the tour. But that’s not why his rivals love him. As time winds down on Andy Murray’s career, some of the biggest names in the game have paid tribute to the superstar.

This will be Andy Murray’s final Australian Open. Picture: AFP Photo

Sam Stosur has set aside preparations for her 17th Australian Open tilt to pay tribute to fellow grand slam winner Andy Murray.

Stosur, the 2011 US Open champion, hailed Murray as one of the most powerful supporters of women’s rights after the Scot outlined retirement plans.

“It will be really sad to see him go,” Stosur said ahead of her first-round clash with Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska on Tuesday.

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“He’s been a fantastic player, champion.

“I mean, he’s been a massive advocate for women’s tennis and women’s sport in general.

“I know in the locker-room whenever we hear him kinda stick up for us and say stuff we’re like ‘Yeah, go Andy.’

“He’s gonna be missed for sure.

“So let’s hope he does get to Wimbledon, at least, and do that.

“He’s a great guy, so it will be sad to see him go.”

Andy Murray will retire from tennis after Wimbledon. Picture: AAP Images

Stosur, 34, returns to Melbourne Park in search of a career-best showing at the Open, having reached the fourth round in 2006 and ’10.

The Queenslander is keen to snap a depressing run of three consecutive first-round exits at the Open.

If she handles the explosive and erratic grand slam debutant Yastremska, Stosur would probably face Spanish 23rd seed Carla Suarez Navarro.

Success there could catapult the Gold Coaster into a rematch of the 2011 US Open final with Serena Williams.

Stosur was one of a host of past and present players to show their support for Murray.

When you search for examples of “emptied the bucket to be as good as they could be” there should be a picture of Andy Murray sitting under that quote. Remarkable discipline for training, competition, sacrifice, perfection, a little crazy 😃 but a legend of a bloke. Bravo Andy 👏

— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) January 11, 2019

You’re the man muzz🙏🏼🙏🏼

— Thanasi Kokkinakis (@TKokkinakis) January 11, 2019

Andy, just watched your conference. Please don’t stop trying. Keep fighting. I can imagine your pain and sadness. I hope you can overcome this. You deserve to retire on your own terms, whenever that happens. We love you @andy_murray and we want to see you happy and doing well. 🙏

— Juan M. del Potro (@delpotrojuan) January 11, 2019

Just thinking out loud here. He deserves his moment to say goodbye at Wimbledon. He’s too important to Great Britain and Wimbledon history to not have it..... Would be a pretty cool moment to play doubles w his bro at Wimby if he can’t play singles https://t.co/m7caeL2shX

— andyroddick (@andyroddick) January 11, 2019

Tennis will come to an end for us all but the friendships will last a lifetime. What you’ve done for the sport will live on forever. I’m hoping for a strong and healthy finish for you, my friend! @andy_murray pic.twitter.com/Bcs0cdllJp

— Grigor Dimitrov (@GrigorDimitrov) January 11, 2019

The @andy_murray that I know will absolutely make it to Wimbledon to play his final tournament. Not many with more heart, effort in the history of the game. Was always a pleasure to share the court pal.

— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) January 11, 2019

The love for Murray even extends to Hollywood.

This short exchange last year on the most mainstream show there is really stuck with me.

The importance of Andy Murray's voice on social issues in tennis reached far beyond the sports world. pic.twitter.com/Fs8pYGS1bA

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 11, 2019