IT'S NOT GOODBYE IT'S AU REVOIR

Volley of tributes as tennis ace reveals parting shot-and a return serve for Scots kids

- JOHN DINGWALL

ANDY Murray has announced his heartbreaking decision to retire from tennis after the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 37-year-old legend will end his career when he plays in the singles and doubles in his fifth Games, which opens this Friday.

Having travelled to France, he wrote on the social media platform X yesterday: "Arrived in Paris for my last ever tennis tournament.

"Competing for Team GB has been by far the most memorable weeks of my career and I'm extremely proud to get to do it one final time!" Born in Glasgow and raised in Dunblane, Murray leaves the sport as a three-time GrandSlam champion and the only man to win two Olympic gold medals in the singles.

First Minister John Swinney was among the first to hail Murray as "our greatest ever sportsman", following the tennis star's announcement.

Posting on X, he thanked him for "an outstanding and inspiring career which has made a profound impact on so many".

He discussed the tennis star's career further as he spoke with journalists during a visit to a bus depot in Fife yesterday.

"He's inspired countless people with his achievements in tennis," the FM said.

"He's been a role model to young people with an energy and a commitment to sport. He's been a great ambassador to Scotland. He has well earned his retirement." Fellow Team GB athlete Paula Radcliffe said Murray calling time on his stellar career at the Olympics was "extremely fitting".

She said on Sky Sports News: "Watching over the years, I think he leaves a huge legacy behind.

"Andy has really epitomised it more than most, he really loves what he is doing and has pushed the boundaries of his physical limits as far as he could.