Tennis legend Andy Murray has admitted Australian Open 2024 could be his last after being thrashed by Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the first round.
The 36-year-old had no answers as he was soundly beaten by the Argentine 30th seed 6-4 6-2 6-2 in two hours and 23 minutes.
Murray has struggled to return to his best tennis after having multiple surgeries on his hip, and hasn't reached a Grand Slam fourth round since Wimbledon 2017.
After being beaten at KIA Arena, Murray spent an elongated amount of time on the court waving goodbye to fans - the first indication that the end could be night for the three-time Grand Slam winner.
In his post-match press conference, Murray revealed he was considering retirement, especially after the gravity of his defeat to Etcheverry.
“Yeah, it’s a definite possibility that will be the last time I play here. And yeah, I think probably because of how the match went and everything, I don’t know,” Murray said.
“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.”
Andy Murray's tennis career
Murray won three Grand Slam titles - US Open 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016 - as he battled tennis greats such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
The Scottish-born star featured in 11 Grand Slam finals in total, including five losing deciders at the Australian Open.
He won two Olympic gold medals in singles, defeating Federer at London 2012 and Juan Martin Del Potro at Rio 2016.
Murray was ranked world no.1 for 41 weeks across his career, which began in 2005.