Andy Murray cried. And Evans cried. Even BBC television presenter Clare Balding cried.
Moments after Murray’s brilliant career ended at the 2024 Paris Olympics, there was an outpouring of emotion.
It was felt at Roland Garros by Murray, by his British teammates, by the thousands of fans chanting his name.
This was shared across a nation that would never see one of its sporting icons play professionally again – and Balding’s reaction perhaps sums up the feelings of many who have watched this British hero over the years.
“Obviously, it’s very emotional because it’s the last time I’m playing a competitive match,” said Murray, who also received applause from his mother, Judy, who was watching.
“But I’m really happy right now. I’m happy with the end result.”
Murray is certainly no stranger to getting emotional in public.
Most famously, he cried on Center Court at Wimbledon after losing to Roger Federer in the 2012 final, which ultimately endeared him to more of the British public.
“It’s not going to be easy…” he said to Sue Barker on the field post-match that day, before the tears flowed.
Previously, he was left in tears after losing the 2010 Australian Open final to Roger Federer – quipping that he could “cry like Roger… it’s a shame I can’t play like him”.
Once he got his hands on that Grand Slam title – and two more after that – it was injuries that caused more tears.
In 2018, he sobbed under his towel at the Washington Open as he battled hip pain.
Ahead of the 2019 Australian Open, Murray expressed his disappointment in a pre-tournament press conference when he revealed he might have to retire due to undergoing hip resurfacing surgery, which he thought would end his career.
Five and a half years later, and after desperately trying to make a comeback, Murray is finally content to call it a day.
“It’s very difficult. Physically, pain-wise, I don’t feel good,” he said.
“Physically, I can obviously play on the field and perform at a competitive level.
“We were close to medal contention here. It was fine, but the pain and discomfort in my body wasn’t very good and that’s why I’m happy to finish.
“If I keep trying and keep trying, eventually you will get an injury that could potentially end your career.
“I knew now was the right time and physically.”
After the early tears at Roland Garros dried, a contemplative Murray revealed how difficult the last few months have been for him.
An ankle injury in March disrupted what had been planned to be her final season and when she made it back, her participation in the emotional farewell to Wimbledon was threatened as she required back surgery to remove a cyst.
Murray has long acknowledged that he was unlikely to get a “perfect ending” but admitted he was “speeding up his rehabilitation” to be able to play in the Olympics.
“I’m happy to get out of here and complete my requirements,” he said.
“At times in the last few years, it has been dicey.
“And even when I first had a scan on my back, the problem I had was, I was told I wasn’t going to play in the Olympics and I wasn’t going to play in Wimbledon.
“So I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to play here and have some great games and create some great memories.”
Murray means many different things to many people who don’t even know him: A sporting icon who has taken British tennis to new heights; advocating for gender equality in male-dominated sports; a versatile guy with a very dry humor.
The humorous side of his personality resurfaced shortly after he finished speaking to the media.
“I never liked tennis anyway,” he wrote on social media. The bio on his X account has also been changed from ‘I play tennis’ to ‘I play tennis’.
Some love him. Some never get it but eventually win. There are also those who have never received it at all.
“He is a class player and has played many years in British tennis and world tennis,” said Evans.
“He has spoken out about things that other people wouldn’t talk about. He’s a good person.”
