Andy Murray has admitted he may be forced to retire from tennis in 2024 unless his results improve, but his legacy as one of the greats of tennis was secured long ago.
Murray lost five of his last six matches in a difficult end to a 2023 season and after losing to Alex De Minaur at the Paris Masters, he admitted he had not been enjoying his time on court.
Those comments led to speculation that he may be entering the final year of his magnificent career and he confirmed that may be the case in an interview with the BBC.
“If I were in a situation like I was at the end of last year, then I probably wouldn’t go again,” said Murray.
“But then if physically I’m doing well and my results are good and I’m playing well, then that’s enjoyable and I could see myself still playing.
“We’ll see how the year goes, see how the body holds up. If things are going well, I’d love to keep going. But if they’re not, and I’m not enjoying it, it could be the last year, yes.”
Those comments will fuel the belief that the opening half of 2024 will be crucial to deciding Murray’s future, but the impact he has made on the British game is certain to leave a lasting impression.
Murray’s two Wimbledon titles, his 2012 US Open win, two Olympic singles gold medals and 2015 Davis Cup triumph are achievements that will ensure he is remembered as Britain’s greatest player.
Now rising star Jack Draper has confirmed Murray’s legacy is driving him forward, as he looks to make a big leap in the game in 2024.
Draper is targetting a place in the top 20 of the ATP rankings in the next 12 months and he told Sky Sports’ Laura Robson that Murray’s influence is giving him an example of the levels he needs to reach to achieve his goals.
“He helped me before I even knew him,” said Draper. “He’s the one who inspired me to to achieve great things in tennis.
“I remember watching him win Wimbledon in 2013. I remember him winning the Olympic Games in 2012, and when he played mixed doubles with you (Robson).
“He’s just someone who has been so inspirational for me and, through his injury, his message of overall discipline and everything is amazing.
“But, more importantly, we all know within British tennis that even though he’s a champion, he is also a very humble down to earth, kind, funny guy. That’s a real lesson in itself.
“He loves watching the younger generation do well, especially from the home country, and we’re very lucky to have that support from such a guy like him.”
Draper went on to suggest Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal also inspire him as he looks to join the greats of the game and compete for a first Grand Slam title.
“Rafa winning 14 Roland Garros’ titles, I honestly don’t think that’s ever going to happen again,” he added.
“There’s Djokovic breaking records every week. The guy is just inevitable… and he seems to be improving all the time.
“And there’s obviously Federer, with his greatness and the exceptional results he had as well.
“I think their records are going to be hard to match. They’re going to go down as probably the best three or four players of all time. They’re just legends.”
Draper is set to be a dark horse to make an impact at the Australian Open, as he will be unseeded and a dangerous floater in the draw if he is paired with some of the game’s highest-ranked players.
He also has a great chance to leap up the rankings as he had long periods of last season on the sidelines and therefore has limited points to defend in the first half of 2024.
