Andy Murray drops major retirement hint ahead of Wimbledon and Olympics

Andy Murray is set to bow out of professional tennis before the end of the year (Getty Images)

Andy Murray has said it would be a fitting end to his career if he bowed out at Wimbledon or the Paris Olympics as his retirement draws seemingly ever nearer.

The 37-year-old Scot, a three-time grand slam champion and double Olympic gold medallist, said in February that he was unlikely to continue playing after the summer.

Murray is set to compete at the Games having been named in Britain’s team on Sunday and said the prospect of competing at Paris had been a real motivation for him.

“Probably if I was going to finish my career I would rather finish at Wimbledon or an Olympic Games - to me that would probably be more fitting,” Murray, who won gold at London 2012 and Rio 2016, told BBC Sport.

“I’ve had amazing experiences and memories from Wimbledon, but also being part of British Olympics teams. To get a chance to compete at a fifth one is a reason to stay motivated and continue playing.”

Wimbledon runs from July 1-14 at the All England Club. The Olympic tennis tournament begins on July 27 and ends on August 4 at Roland Garros.

All England Lawn Tennis Club chief executive Sally Bolton revealed on Thursday that they have plans to honour Murray, if this year’s tournament turns out to be a farewell to the 2013 and 2016 champion.

“I think in lots of careers, retirement is something you celebrate and people really look forward to that day. That’s not something I feel. I love playing tennis,” Murray added.

“Ultimately, if physically you’re not able to play to the level you want to, the results are not as you wish, those things factor into the decision.”

Reuters