Andy Murray announced his retirement from professional tennis a year ago after losing in the Olympic doubles, with Novak Djokovic leading the tributes.
Novak Djokovic delivered a heartfelt tribute to Andy Murray after the British tennis legend hung up his racket for good 12 months ago. The Serbian star, who shared an epic rivalry with Murray throughout their careers, revealed he felt “grateful” to witness the historic moment when a Briton claimed Wimbledon glory for the first time in 77 years.
Murray called time on his professional career following his Olympic doubles defeat alongside Dan Evans in Paris a year ago. The thrilling campaign for the Team GB pair came to a close as they fell to America’s Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul. Sporting figures from across the globe, including Djokovic, then honoured the 37-year-old’s remarkable achievements.
It was Djokovic whom the Scotland-born champion overcame to secure his maiden Wimbledon crown in 2013, bringing an end to Britain’s nearly eight-decade drought at the prestigious tournament. In an emotional tribute, Djokovic revealed that despite suffering defeat on Centre Court, he treasured being part of such a momentous occasion.
Speaking in an ATP video, Djokovic declared: “Andy we were hoping that this moment would never come, but here it is. I just want to say congratulations for an amazing career, multiple Grand Slams, No 1 in the world, two Olympic gold medals, Davis Cup.
“I mean, you’ve done it all. Amazing. Congratulations to you, to your family. We go back a very long time, I think we were 11 when we met the first time on the court.
“We had incredible encounters, rivalries. We played finals of every single Grand Slam. You brought the Wimbledon title to Britain and to the UK after 77 years.
Andy Murray defeated Novak Djokovic in the 2013 Wimbledon final (Image: Getty)
“Unfortunately against me in the final! It was a special and historic moment that I cherish and was really grateful to be part of.
“You can be proud of the incredible resilience and fighting spirit and inspiration that you gave to all of us. After all the hardship that you went through and surgery, restrictions in your movement, you still kept going.
“You still have shown to everyone that there’s no letting go, no giving up, so kudos to you. All the best to you and your family you deserve the best possible farewell. Bye bye, my friend.”
Murray went on to coach Djokovic but their partnership ended in May before Wimbledon. The Serb lost in the semi-finals at SW19 to eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
