Andy Murray names career regret as US Open winner looks back on success.
British superstar Andy Murray was one of the best tennis players in the world during an era that boasted the likes of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal.
Former world No. 1 tennis star Andy Murray has opened up about how his view of his accomplished career underwent a dramatic transformation after stepping away from the sport last summer.
The British tennis legend acknowledged that throughout his playing days, which saw him claim multiple Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold medals, he found little satisfaction in his achievements – something he now looks back on with regret.
Speaking on Romesh Ranganathan’s podcast, the three-time Grand Slam champion, who won the 2012 US Open, discussed the profound shift in perspective that occurred once he concluded his time on the professional circuit.
Murray, who called time on his career aged 38 at last summer’s Paris Olympic Games, teamed up with Dan Evans for the men’s doubles competition.
The pair reached the last eight before their campaign ended, bringing down the curtain on Murray’s illustrious journey.
Yet within days of hanging up his racket, the British sporting icon began viewing his legacy through an entirely different lens.
Looking back on his decision to retire, the two-time Wimbledon winner explained: “I think it helped that I was ready to retire, physically I couldn’t really play to the level I wanted to anymore, my body was kind of telling me that it was time.”
He continued: “I didn’t feel like I still had much more to give, but within like 10 days, two weeks of finishing, I looked back and was like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I managed to do these things and achieve these things.'”
Throughout his career, Murray found himself locked in fierce rivalries with tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Their remarkable achievements often made him feel as though his own accomplishments paled in comparison.
“When I was playing, I didn’t really havemuch pridein my career because a lot of the times, I was surrounded by three of the best tennis players of all time and your achievements are kind of miniscule in comparison to those guys and you’re kind of looking to them, one, to try and learn and improve, but also you want to try and match their results,” he shared.
“You’re having to beat these players, so I didn’t have much pride in what I’d achieved whilst I was playing, but very quickly, when I finished, I don’t know, my perception of my career and what I achieved changed drastically.
“It’s a shame, I wish looking back I’d been a bit more kinder to myself and enjoyed my career a little bit more. It’s hard, when you’re trying to achieve things, there’s always the next tournament and the next week. There’s always pressure to go out there and perform.”
Now able to reflect on his tennis journey with greater gratitude, Murray has turned his attention to golf.
The former world No. 1 is determined to reach scratch golfer status and has already competed in multiple Pro-Am events at Wentworth and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
