Andy Murray is still unsure of when he will retire, but he does admit that it was heartwarming to watch tennis legends Serena Williams and Roger Federer receive so much support from the public when they put down their rackets.
23-time Williams, a big home run winner, was the first to announce that she plans to “move away from tennis,” indicating that the US Open would be her final competitive appearance.
Despite playing essentially no tennis over the previous year, the American reached the third round before losing to Ajla Tomljanovic. Although the tennis icon has subsequently suggested that she might not have resigned, she was praised and respected in each of her three matches at Flushing Glades.
After attempting to treat his well-known knee problem, Federer was the next to announce his resignation.
The 20-time Major League Baseball champion retired at the Laver Cup after losing in a tight match to Rafael Nadal.
Murray spoke on the perfect farewells and his own future during a chat with Eurosport, saying: “I’m aware that I won’t be able to play indefinitely. I am aware of that. Beginning this year, everyone’s finishing position is different.
It’s so fascinating that you have the perfect ending ” “Roger finished on similar side of the net as his greatest rival [Nadal],” said Serena on her successful run at the US Open. Before an exceptional environment, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gilles [Simon] both finished their races in France.
There are many different ways to do anything, and there is no right or wrong strategy or ideal way to do it. The best approach is the one that feels right to you. Who can foretell with certainty when that will occur [for me]?
After years of competing on the ATP and WTA Tours, Murray, who on Monday fell to Simon in his opening match at the Paris Bosses, was delighted to see the crowd pay tribute to their tennis heroes.
“It’s nice to see how much the game means to these people, and I assume the ones that stay going the longest on the visit and who play for 15-20 years, the reason they do it for so long is because they love it,” he added.
They like the game, and it is wonderful to see them get a send-off from the general public.
Although I do not believe that players compete to win the affection of the general public, I do believe that it is beneficial to feel loved and respected by them as one approaches the end of their careers. It has been enjoyable to watch those players receive this love, which they may not receive as frequently during their careers.
“When they [these players] reach the finish line, I believe that in some circumstances, people could realise what they have achieved and how they have influenced the game. That’s excellent, then.”