Tennis legend Sir Andy Murray has been immortalised at the scene of some of his greatest triumphs hours after bidding an emotional farewell to his playing days.
The centre court at the Queen’s Club – where the Scot lifted the singles trophy five times – has been renamed The Andy Murray Arena in his honour.
The announcement from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) came as the Scottish Parliament was urged to back a motion calling on the Scottish Government to ‘honour his achievements and legacy’.
Amid an outpouring of tributes from the tennis world and beyond following Murray’s exit from the Olympics, the star himself was typically deadpan.
Andy Murray bids a tearful goodbye to his fans as he retires from competitive tennis at the Paris Olympics
The two-time Wimbledon champion tweeted: ‘Never even liked tennis anyway’.
Fittingly, the Queen’s Club tournament in London’s Kensington is Murray’s most successful event. His five singles titles between 2009 and 2016 also make him the tournament’s most prolific winner.
LTA chief executive, Scott Lloyd said: ‘Andy is the greatest tennis player ever to come from this country and a giant of British sport. His contribution to the game is immense and has bought us all so many moments of pride. He was relentless in his pursuit of excellence and had a single-minded determination to succeed.’
He added: ‘He is a special role model for tennis in this country and beyond and a unique champion. We are proud to name the arena at our tournament at the Queen’s Club after him.’
As well as renaming the famous court, the LTA has committed to investing £5 million into a new tennis centre at the Park of Keir, near Dunblane where Murray grew up.
It is over and out for Andy Murray but tennis bosses have already named an arena after him
Meanwhile, a Scottish Parliament motion lodged by Ash Regan MSP yesterday calls for a Scottish governmental honour for the newly retired player.
After setting out his career statistics, including three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic Gold medals, the Alba politician’s motion says: ‘The Scottish Parliament calls on the Scottish Government to mark the career of Sir Andy Murray and the positive impact he has had on Scottish society by bringing forward a suitable proposal to parliament to honour his achievements and legacy.’
Murray changed his long standing biog on X – formerly Twitter – on Thursday night after he and doubles partner Dan Evans were defeated in the Olympics quarter final. Where for years it read ‘I play tennis’, it now says ‘I played tennis’.
His quip about the game he has adored all his life amused most followers but was misunderstood by some.
‘Andy why waste your time on what doesn’t excite you?’ responded one.
Others, such as TV cook Nigella Lawson, were more in tune with his humour. She tweeted: ‘Brilliant’.
TV journalist Victoria Derbyshire tweeted: ‘Literally a legend.’
And the Scotland National Football Team wrote on X: ‘Thanks for the memories, Andy Murray. All the best in retirement – you’re welcome at Hampden Park any time.’
Young Andy Murray showing he has what it takes to become a champion
A heartfelt tribute was paid by long-time adversary Novak Djokovic who called Murray ‘one of the greatest warriors tennis has seen’, adding: ‘His fighting spirit is something that will inspire many generations to come. I’ve been inspired by him even though we’re the same age.’
Tweeting a picture of her infant son with a tennis racket almost as big as he is, Murray’s proud mother Judy wrote: ‘And it started at Dunblane Tennis Club. Small community facility run by volunteers and a remarkable Mums Army. ‘Anything’s possible.’
In a separate tweet she observed: ‘Andy’s final match lasted 77 minutes. Spooky. Wimbledon 2013 was on 7/7. It was 77 years since a Brit won the men’s singles. He named his management company 77.’
