Andy Murray has declared that the upcoming Paris Olympics will mark the end of his illustrious tennis career, stating that he feels it is the "right time" to retire.
The two-time Olympic singles champion expressed his satisfaction with this decision during a press conference on Tuesday.
Murray, who will team up with fellow British player, Dan Evans, in the doubles event, noted that recent injuries - particularly those that sidelined him from competing in singles during his final Wimbledon farewell earlier this month - have influenced his choice to step away from the sport.
Reflecting on his journey, the 37-year-old Scot admitted that his feelings about retirement have evolved.
"I didn't feel that way a few months ago when I thought that this is when I was going to stop," the Dunblane-born superstar said.
"I didn't want to. Now I want to. I know it is the right time for me."
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Murray has acknowledged that he has not yet fully healed from the surgery he underwent to remove a spinal cyst just a week before Wimbledon.
That means instead of competing in singles, Murray plans to concentrate on having a successful doubles run with Evans as he aims for his fourth Olympic medal.
When asked if he felt fit enough to play singles, Murray responded: “I need to make that decision this evening but I don’t think so.
“Obviously me and Dan have made the commitment to each other that (doubles) was what we were going to prioritise.
“I think Dan is still going to play singles but last week he did a lot of doubles practice, that’s what I was predominantly practising in training when I was in Greece and since we’ve been here, we’ve been practising and playing doubles sets together.
“That gives the team and us the best opportunity to get a medal, realistically.
“My back is still not perfect and the potential of playing two matches in a day is maybe not the best.”
