Andy Murray has given strong hints that this season will be his last after a disappointing opening round exit at the Australian Open.
The five-time finalist suffered a rather comprehensive 6-4 6-2 6-2 defeat to 30th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
It was a flat performance which saw him hit 37 unforced errors as he went out in the first round.
After the match Murray described the result as ‘disappointing’ as he has lots to reflect on, “Yeah, obviously disappointed. Well, not much went right, to be honest, from the beginning,” Murray said in his press conference.
“I had maybe a small chance in the middle of the first set. Yeah, it was a poor performance. It was, like, very, very flat. It was an amazing crowd out there that were… Yeah, I felt like they were trying to pick me up, support and get behind me. Usually I would always engage the crowd and get them going and bring some energy into the match.
“It was, yeah, really just a flat performance. I don’t know exactly why that was the case because I’ve been feeling good going in. Played pretty well in Brisbane. Practiced really well the last 10 days or so.”
Speaking of reflecting, after the match Murray gave a longer wave than usual to the crowd whilst looking at all four corners of the stadium.
There seemed to be some symbolism as he took one last look at Melbourne Park before departing KIA Arena.
After the match Murray gave his biggest hint yet that this could be his last season on tour, “I mean, definitely. Definitely a possibility. Yeah, it’s a definite possibility that will be the last time I play here,” Murray shockingly stated.
“And yeah, I think probably because of how the match went and everything, I don’t know. Whilst you’re playing the match, you’re obviously trying to control your emotions, focus on the points and everything. When you’re one point away from the end, you’re like, I can’t believe this is over so quickly, and like this.
“Yeah, in comparison to the matches that I played here last year, it’s the complete opposite feeling walking off the court. Yeah, wish I involved the crowd more. Just disappointed with the way I played and all of that stuff, so… Yeah, tough, tough way to finish.
“Look, I have an idea of what I would probably like to finish playing. Yeah, so much of that depends on how you’re playing. I’ve spoken to them about it. I’ve spoken to my family about it. I’ve spoken to my team about it. Well, yeah, they’re very aware of how I feel about things, where I would like to finish playing, when that would be. I haven’t made any definite decisions on that.
“Yeah, it’s obviously something that I need to think about and see exactly when that is. I have spoken to my team about it. I’ve spoken to my family about it multiple times. It’s not like it hasn’t been something that’s been on my mind.”
It’s not clear yet when Murray would decide to retire although this year’s Wimbledon seems like the most straightforward and logical decision.
However Murray will hope that’s not the case and will be having expectations that he can turn his form around over the next couple of months.
