Emotional Andy Murray reveals he may not play another Australian Open

Tennis legend Andy Murray reveals he may never play at the Australian Open again after losing three straight sets.

Chantelle Francis at Melbourne Park

2 min read

January 15, 2024 - 11:35PM

Britain's Andy Murray says he may not play another Australian Open. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP

British tennis star Andy Murray has indicated he may never play at the Australian Open again after losing three straight sets in round one.

When speaking to reporters after the match on Monday, the five-time finalist said the fact it could be a farewell to Melbourne Park was “definitely” on his mind while out on Kia Arena.

“It’s a definite possibility that will be the last time I play here,” he said.

The 36-year-old put up stiff resistance in a 61-minute first set, but Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry, the 30th seed, slowly ground him down to win 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.

“While you’re playing the match, you’re obviously trying to control your emotions, focus on the points and everything,” Murray said.

“When you’re one point away from the end, you’re like, I can’t believe this is over so quickly, and like this.”

He said it was an “amazing crowd” that he felt was trying to get behind him, but his performance was “very, very flat”.

Britain's Andy Murray speaks to media after what may have been his last Australian Open match ever. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP

Murray said compared to the matches he played here last year, it was “the complete opposite feeling” walking off the court this time around.

He said it was a “tough, tough way to finish”.

Last year, Murray was knocked out of the Australian Open in the third round by Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1 6-7 (7) 6-3 6-4.

Murray was asked whether there was a timeline or deadline he had in mind to get back to playing the tennis he wanted to play or call it quits.

He said results like those on Monday narrowed his time frame.

“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,” he explained.

“Last year was a slightly different story. Physically I held up well against two really good players.

“[It’s a] very different situation sitting here. So the time frame narrows a little bit for me to, yeah, get to a level that I want to be at.”

Murray lost to Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry during their men's singles match in round one. Picture: AFP

Etcheverry, 12 years younger than his opponent, said it was still “very tough” playing against “a legend like Andy”.

“He is one of my idols, but today I played incredible. I just tried to play my game and focus on my points.”

Murray’s defeat deprived fans of a potential third-round clash with defending champion Novak Djokovic.

To have a chance of facing the top seed, Etcheverry, who reached the French Open quarter-finals last year, must first get past another veteran, Frenchman Gael Monfils.

Murray was emotional about his “poor performance”. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Prominent Australian tennis coach Roger Rasheed said Murray’s match on Monday was “difficult to watch.”

“We have been used to watching so much brilliance from him throughout his career. It is difficult to watch what he is putting out on the court,” he said on Channel 9.

Murray had a frustrating end to 2023, winning just one match in his last four tournaments, and said in Brisbane this month he will bring down the curtain on his career if the next 12 months follow the same pattern.

Murray, who won Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016 and also took the US Open title in 2012, is part of a golden generation coming towards the end of trophy-laden careers.