British doubles legend Jamie Murray has announced his retirement from professional tennis. The seven-time Grand Slam champion said he was “excited to enter the real world” after 36 years in the sport. Murray, who last played at the US Open in August, leaves the game as the first British doubles player to reach world number one.
A Career Marked by Grand Slam Success and Davis Cup Glory
Murray reflected on his career in an Instagram post: “My tennis journey comes to an end after 36 years. I feel very fortunate and privileged for all the amazing experiences this great sport has given me.” He also thanked his family and support team: “Thanks Mum, Dad, Andy, Ale, Alan, Louis and Thomas for all your incredible support, efforts and sacrifices throughout my career that allowed me to achieve everything I could in the game. For everybody else that’s helped and supported me – I appreciate all of you!”
Murray won 34 doubles titles, two of which were alongside his brother, Andy. The pair famously teamed up to help Great Britain win the Davis Cup in 2015, the first time in 79 years.
Despite the pressures of watching each other in major finals, Andy supported his brother Jamie at the 2016 Australian Open. Andy was spotted in Jamie’s coaching box taking photos as Jamie secured his first Grand Slam men’s doubles title with Bruno Soares. This was just 18 hours before Andy was due to play Novak Djokovic in the singles final in Melbourne.
Jamie jokingly asked Andy, “Shouldn’t you be in bed?” as he accepted the trophy.
Mixed Doubles Titles and a Memorable Playing Style
In addition to his men’s doubles success, Murray also won five mixed doubles titles. These included two at Wimbledon, partnering with Jelena Jankovic in 2007 and Martina Hingis in 2017.
Murray played a major part in Britain’s Davis Cup success. He played alongside his brother in the quarter-final with France at the Queen’s Club in a five-set, four-hour semi-final match with Australia, before seeing off the Belgian pair as Britain won the title in Ghent.
Murray will be remembered for his volleying skills. He conjured preposterous angles at the net. His returns were often unorthodox and he was fond of a lobbed service return to unsettle opponents.
Early Years and Sibling Rivalry
Jamie’s mother, Judy, believed he had better hand-eye co-ordination than Andy when they were young. The brothers were rivals on the tennis court and while wrestling.
Judy recalled: “Andy’s favourite [wrestler] was The Rock and Jamie’s was Stone Cold Steve Austin, and they used to create these bouts that they saw on the television. They used to wrestle each other on the duvet and thump each other with pillows, and create these belts and make up their own rules and scoring systems.”
Jamie is 15 months older than Andy. Andy says he bore the brunt of Jamie’s early dominance on the tennis court.
- Seven-time Grand Slam champion
- First British doubles player to reach world number one
- Instrumental in Great Britain’s 2015 Davis Cup victory
Murray’s retirement marks the end of a successful career that saw him reach the pinnacle of the sport. He leaves behind a legacy of Grand Slam titles, Davis Cup success, and a reputation as one of Britain’s finest doubles players.