Andy Murray of Britain reacts following his first round loss to Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina on the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Five-time finalist Andy Murray said Monday there was a “definite possibility” that he has played his final Australian Open after slumping out at the primary hurdle.
The 36-year-old put up stiff resistance in a 61-minute first set against Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry, however the thirtieth seed slowly ground him right down to win 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.
Murray had a frustrating end to 2023, winning only one match in his last 4 tournaments, and said previously that unless his form picked up the curtain could possibly be coming down on his profession.
“Yeah, it’s a definite possibility that shall be the last time I play here,” he said.
“Compared to the matches that I played here last yr, it’s the exact opposite feeling walking off the court. Wish I involved the group more. Just disillusioned with the best way I played. Tough, tough technique to finish.”
The British player, who won Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016 and likewise took the US Open title in 2012, is a component of a golden generation coming towards the top of trophy-laden careers.
Roger Federer retired in 2022 and Rafael Nadal had an injury-blighted 2023 and is absent from the Australian Open with a muscle tear.
Andy Murray of Britain waves to the group following his first round loss to Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina on the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
At 36, Djokovic remains to be hoping so as to add to his record haul of 24 Grand Slam titles before hanging up his racquet.
Murray said he had spoken to his family and training staff about when he might quit.
“They’re very aware of how I feel about things, where I would love to complete playing, when that will be,” he said.
“I haven’t made any definite decisions on that. Yeah, it’s obviously something that I want to take into consideration and see exactly when that’s.
“It’s not prefer it hasn’t been something that’s been on my mind.”
He added that the timeframe on when he’ll retire “narrows while you play and have results like today”.
“I haven’t gained in belief from today’s match that at some stage I’m going to start out playing rather well again or winning tournaments or attending to the latter stages of major events.”
Etcheverry, 12 years younger than his opponent, said Murray was certainly one of his idols.
“Very tough for me fidgeting with a legend like Andy,” he said. “I just tried to play my game and deal with my points.”
Murray’s defeat deprived fans of a possible third-round clash against defending champion Djokovic.
To have a likelihood of facing the highest seed, Etcheverry, who reached the French Open quarter-finals last yr, must first get past one other veteran, Frenchman Gael Monfils.
