September 4, 2024
People, People Feature,
Andy Murray explores life beyond the tennis court.
“I think dealing with mistakes and failures and setbacks is probably the thing that you learn the most from. As a professional tennis player, you’re losing pretty much every single week when you’re competing—and how you learn to deal with those losses and what you take away from them is going to determine how successful you’re going to be. I think that’s something that will definitely help me improve at whatever it is that I decide to do in the next part of my life.”–ANDY MURRAY
As Andy Murray hangs up his rackets, the tennis world bids farewell to one of its most enduring competitors. This marks the end of an illustrious career that included triumphant Olympic gold medals, historic Wimbledon victories and a US Open title. Known for his resilience on the court and his humility off it, Murray’s retirement speaks volumes about his impact on the sport and the personal values he carries into his next chapter.
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“Now that I’ve retired from tennis, I’m really looking forward to just being at home for a period of time,” Murray says. The constant travel demanded by the tennis tour, with its grueling schedule, will be replaced by much-valued family time. “I’m looking forward to being home, being with the dogs, playing a bit of golf and just trying to do normal stuff,” he says. For Murray, retirement means embracing everyday joys, particularly spending time with his four children. “It is special to get the chance to be there for my kids as much as I can, doing the school runs and just being around them as they grow up,” he says, noting he hopes they remain involved in sports. “I just think that sports is a brilliant way of staying healthy. I think it teaches you many good lessons about hard work, teamwork, and how to deal with winning and losing.”
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His career on the court has been remarkable, filled with memorable highs, including triumphant victories, and challenging lows. “The London Olympics was probably the best week of my life on the tennis court,” he reminisces about his gold medal win, a moment that stands out in his storied career. Yet, it’s not just the victories that shaped him. Murray acknowledges the growth that came from difficult losses, especially at Wimbledon, and the lessons that have taught him the resilience for which he is known. “I think he’s the highest-IQ guy that I ever played, which in that generation is certainly saying something,” shares fellow tennis legend Andy Roddick.
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Beyond the baseline, Murray’s determination remains a cornerstone of his character. “I was proud of my work ethic and the dedication that I put into tennis,” he says, confident these traits will translate well into whatever endeavors he pursues next. “I learned a lot, particularly in these last few years, certainly about patience,” Murray reflects. “And that’s something that’ll definitely help me in the next part of my life.” Whether in business or other areas of interest, Murray’s drive will surely bring him success off the court as well.
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The challenges during his career were not insignificant, as he faced some of the greatest players in the sport’s history. “The toughest challenges were the opponents I was having to win against to win major titles,” he explains, referencing matches against Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Overcoming injuries and physical setbacks in later years also taught him the value of patience—lessons he carries forward.
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Even as he steps away from professional play, Murray’s love for tennis endures. “I love tennis, and it’s been a huge part of my life,” he says, hinting at possible future involvement in coaching or supporting a tennis academy in Scotland. His ongoing passion for the sport suggests a continued presence in the tennis community, perhaps mentoring the next generation of players.
Serena Williams, another icon of the sport, highlights how Murray has also been a strong advocate for women. “I hold a special place in my heart for him as he always speaks out so much for women and everything that women deserve,” she says. “I will always be grateful for the support he gave me, the support he gave women—and the excitement he brought to tennis.”
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For young players looking up to him, Murray offers sage advice centered on focus and personal development. “Stay focused on the path you’re on and try not to compare yourself to others,” he advises, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey.
Murray’s post-tennis ambitions include spending more time on personal and business interests, particularly his involvement with Cromlix, a luxury hotel in Scotland that holds personal significance for him and his family with many memories as the site of his wedding and much more. “My wife’s put a lot of hard work into it over the last few years and really changed and transformed the hotel, so I’m very proud of it and of the work she’s done there,” he shares. The property has also offered a space for Murray to explore art collecting. “I have a few pictures from David Shrigley at the hotel, which are good fun,” he says. “I got a chance to meet him last year, and I love his paintings.”
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As Murray leans into his next endeavors, it is clear that the lessons from the court will ensure a winning formula. “I think dealing with mistakes and failures and setbacks is probably the thing that you learn the most from,” Murray says, reflecting. “As a professional tennis player, you’re losing pretty much every single week when you’re competing—and how you learn to deal with those losses and what you take away from them is going to determine how successful you’re going to be,” he says. “I think that’s something that will definitely help me improve at whatever it is that I decide to do in the next part of my life.”
“I THINK HE’S THE HIGHEST-IQ GUY THAT I EVER PLAYED, WHICH IN THAT GENERATION IS CERTAINLY SAYING SOMETHING.”–ANDY RODDICK
PHOTOGRAPHED BY PAUL FARNHAM
STYLED BY SYLVESTER YIU DIGI
OP: JOE WHITEMORE
LIGHTING OP: HECTOR MARSHALL
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