Sir Andy Murray, king of the press room: 21 of his most memorable quotes
As the former world No. 1 bids farewell to the sport, here are some of his best quotes on his fighting spirit, becoming a feminist, and making tennis history.
Andy Murray’s defeat in men’s doubles alongside Dan Evans at the 2024 Paris Olympics to Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul on Thursday marked the official end of his professional tennis career.
I don’t play in any tournaments to come second best.
On his fighting spirit
I can cry like Roger. It’s just a shame I can’t play like him.
After losing to Federer in the 2010 Australian Open final
I’m getting closer. If I wasn’t emotional I guess I’m probably in the wrong sport.
After losing to Federer in the 2012 Wimbledon final
When I was serving for the match, there was a sense of how big a moment that is in British tennis history. It’s great to have finally done it.
After winning the 2012 US Open, ending a 76-year trophy drought for British men
I understand how much everyone wanted to see a British winner at Wimbledon and I hope everyone enjoyed it… That last game, my head was kind of everywhere. That last game will be the toughest game I’ll play in my career, ever.
After winning 2013 Wimbledon, ending a 77-year wait for a British men’s champion
We Scots have a fierce pride in the things we do that others can never appreciate. I am the British number one, but I would prefer to be the British number one from Scotland every time.
On Scottish pride and national identity
Contrary to my image, I do have a sense of humour.
Stated very flatly and with little emotion
With my fingers.
In response to the question, “How do you eat your Wimbledon strawberries?”
To be honest, I think bananas are a pathetic fruit.
On his mid-match snack selection
She came along to actually watch me for the first time at the US Open. I vomited twice in that match, and she still seemed to like me so I knew she was a keeper.
On when he knew now-wife Kim Sears was the one
Oh my God, you’ll be absolutely terrible.
In response to news that mom Judy would compete in Strictly Come Dancing
Anyone but England, ha ha!
On who he wanted to see win the 2006 World Cup, said jokingly
Have I become a feminist? Well, if being a feminist is about fighting so that a woman is treated like a man then yes, I suppose I have.
Response to criticism for coach Amelie Mauresmo after his 2014 ATP Finals defeat
It really opened my eyes when I started working with Amelie … Inequality is something I started to see and become passionate about. It’s opened my mind.
On the sexist abuse received by coach Mauresmo
I think Venus and Serena have won about four each.
Correcting a journalist who claimed he was “the first person ever to win two Olympic tennis gold medals” (Rio 2016)
Male player.
Correcting a journalist who claimed opponent Sam Querrey was “the first U.S. player” to reach a major semifinal since 2009 (Wimbledon 2017)
I didn’t really know what I had said at the press conference. I was so emotional. But I didn’t think I had said I’m retiring.
After telling press the 2019 Australian Open may be his last tournament due to hip pain
I now have a metal hip.
Cautiously optimistic after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery in 2019
I think that’s called perseverance.
On the 3,493-day gap between when he first entered the ATP Top 10 and when he first became world No. 1
Life in the old dog yet!
Signed on the camera lens after defeating Matteo Berrettini at the 2024 Miami Open
Never even liked tennis anyway.
At the end of his career, having retired among the best tennis players in history