NEWS of Andy Murray's upcoming retirement has spread arounbd the globe and fans, former opponents and pundits have been sending the 31-year-old messages of support and paying tribute to the former Wimbledon champion.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted her admiration of the tennis star, calling Murray "a credit to sport and to the country".
Andy Murray is a legend - without doubt one of Scotland’s greatest ever sportsmen, as well as an outstanding role model and inspiration for young people everywhere. A credit to sport and to the country. Sending him very best wishes. https://t.co/FAWIv1hbxF
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 11, 2019
Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov praised Murray's impact in the sport and said that the pair's friendship "will last a lifetime".
Tennis will come to an end for us all but the friendships will last a lifetime. What you’ve done for the sport will live on forever. I’m hoping for a strong and healthy finish for you, my friend! @andy_murray pic.twitter.com/Bcs0cdllJp
— Grigor Dimitrov (@GrigorDimitrov) January 11, 2019
The golfer Justin Rose also tweeted his support of the Scottish great and said that he hoped Murray could compete in Wimbeldon.
What a career @andy_murray keep it going as everybody wants to watch you @Wimbledon in July mate. #🇬🇧GOAT
— Justin Rose (@JustinRose99) January 11, 2019
–– 3x Grand Slams
–– 2x Olympic gold medals
–– ATP Finals
–– 2016 world No.1
–– 14x Masters 1000 titles
–– 8x Grand Slam finals
–– 45 total ATP titles
Legend 🏆🏅🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/CYphhRvUcC
Murray's favourite football team, Hibernan, tweeted a message of support along with a message from manager Neil Lennon.
💚| “Andy Murray is an inspiration and a role model. He’s been the ideal mentor to Fraser Murray and Ryan Porteous. I hope he’s able to finish an incredible career on his terms. Everyone at Hibernian Football Club is rooting for him.” Neil Lennon. pic.twitter.com/jxAdSicxRl
— Hibernian FC (@HibernianFC) January 11, 2019
Singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald said that Murray is the most relatable sportsmen in the world.
Is there any other sportsperson more relatable and more ‘human’ than Andy Murray? I can’t think of any. When I watch him play it feels like I’m fighting for every, single point right by his side. To do what he’s done in an era with so many incredible players is some achievement.
— Amy Macdonald (@Amy__Macdonald) January 11, 2019
Kim Clijsters paid tribute to the 31-year-old, calling Murray a "great guy".
My heart breaks listening to @andy_murray during his press conference... Hope he will make it through to Wimbledon and have the farewell he deserves . #greatguy
— Kim Clijsters (@Clijsterskim) January 11, 2019
Billie Jean King praised Murray's ability on the court and his outlook off of it.
.@andy_murray You are a champion on and off the court. So sorry you cannot retire on your own terms, but remember to look to the future. Your greatest impact on the world may be yet to come. Your voice for equality will inspire future generations. Much love to you & your family. https://t.co/AQUOP3LGec
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 11, 2019
Juan Martin del Potro urged the former Wimbledon champion to keep fighting.
Andy, just watched your conference. Please don’t stop trying. Keep fighting. I can imagine your pain and sadness. I hope you can overcome this. You deserve to retire on your own terms, whenever that happens. We love you @andy_murray and we want to see you happy and doing well. 🙏
— Juan M. del Potro (@delpotrojuan) January 11, 2019
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