Andy Murray in Roger Federer disagreement as tennis legend doubles down on retirement
Andy Murray retired from tennis in August 2024 after a glittering career, but the Brit insists he doesn't miss the sport at all despite the opposite being true for Roger Federer
Andy Murray has doubled down on the fact he "doesn't miss tennis at all" following his retirement last year. The Scot’s stance is in stark contrast to that of Roger Federer, one of his greatest career adversaries, who himself stepped away from the sport in 2022.
Murray enjoyed a legendary career, having been widely regarded as the fourth finest player of his era after fellow icons Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The 38-year-old claimed two Olympic gold medals and three Grand Slams, winning Wimbledon on two occasions.
However, he was plagued by injuries during the latter stages of his 19-year career, leading to his decision to retire in August 2024 following the Paris Olympics. The Brit was visibly emotional at the time, breaking down into tears during his Wimbledon send-off the month before.
Yet, despite tennis dominating his life for so long, Murray insists he doesn't long for his playing days and is now savouring the freedom to explore different interests, including golf and quality time with his kids.
He told The Chipping Forecast: “I thought I was going to miss it a lot because I loved tennis. I loved the competition, the training, I enjoyed travelling and playing the events. My body just wasn’t able to do it anymore.
“But since I stopped I haven't really missed it at all. I’ve got four young children at home so I’m very busy with them and, when they’re at school, golf has replaced that routine of training at something and I’m really enjoying that.”
Over his illustrious career, Murray played 1,001 singles matches, but found the separation from his wife, Kim, and their four children increasingly challenging as he juggled fatherhood with his professional commitments.
“Since I’ve stopped, I feel really free and have got lots of time to do whatever it is I want,” Murray told BBC Radio 4 shortly after his retirement last year.
“I can dedicate time to my children and have free time to play golf or go to the gym on my own terms.
“It is really nice and I didn’t expect that. I was expecting to find retirement hard and be missing tennis a lot and wanting to get back on the tennis court on tour. So far it has been the complete opposite to what I was thinking.”
On the other hand, Federer, who won 20 Grand Slam titles, still misses the action, despite having had three years to adjust to life outside the spotlight. The Swiss maestro is set to return to the court for a celebrity doubles match at the 2025 Shanghai Masters on October 10.
The 44-year-old recently said: "I would love to play some tennis again. I would like to start playing two, three times a week, and hopefully be back on exhibition courts.
“Hopefully, I can fill a couple of stadiums around the world. I don't have plans at the moment, but I know I need to train for it. I miss it a bit, honestly, because I have hardly played since I retired."