Centre Court rises to start of Murray's long goodbye

The result quickly faded from memory, as a standing ovation for the losing team signalled the start of a long farewell.

- JAMIE BRAIDWOOD

At Wimbledon, Andy Murray stood once again with Sue Barker on Centre Court as the tributes began. There were only a couple of tears this time, 12 years on from that defeat to Roger Federer, 11 years since that historic victory over Novak Djokovic. A defeat alongside brother Jamie in the doubles was followed by a celebration of a career and the cold, crushing realisation that the end is here, the final Wimbledon for a man who for the past 20 years had filled this place with so much heart.

Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, his fiercest rivals, were there for the final moments, taking part in a video message that paid tribute to the competitor and their admiration for the fighter within. Venus Williams highlighted Murray’s support and advocacy of women’s tennis, in praise of his character. When it came to his time to speak, Murray’s voice cracked as he thanked the close team of physios and fitness trainers who were with him every step of his post-surgery career.

“The injuries have been tough, quite significant injuries and we’ve worked extremely hard just to be on the court competing,” he told Barker on court. “Probably not at the level any of us wanted, but we tried. It was obviously really special [to play with Jamie]. Physically it wasn’t easy but I am glad we did it. It is hard because I would love to keep playing but I can’t. Physically it is too tough now, all of the injuries, they have added up and they haven’t been insignificant.

“I want to play forever, I love the sport and it’s given me so much. It’s taught me loads of lessons over the years I can use for the rest of my life. I don’t want to stop so it is hard.”