(Dubai, United Arab Emirates) Andy Murray has suggested he has “only a few months” left in his career after coming from behind to beat Ontarian Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 7-6 (5) and 6-3, Monday, at the Dubai men’s tennis tournament.
“I still love competition and this sport, but it becomes more and more difficult as I get older to compete against young players while keeping my body fresh and fit,” said the 36-year-old veteran in an interview according to match Monday. I don’t have much time left, but I’m going to give it everything I have left over the next few months. »
Murray, who has won three career Grand Slam titles and has undergone several hip surgeries, has considered retirement before. His victory against Shapovalov, his 500e on cement career on the ATP circuit, was only his second this year.
After losing in straight sets to Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the first round of the Australian Open last month, Murray said it was possibly the last time he played in the first major tournament of the campaign.
Murray improved his career record to 18-5 in Dubai, where he triumphed in 2017. He will face the winner of the duel between Frenchmen Ugo Humbert and Gaël Monfils in the next round.
The only other tennis players to have 500 career victories on cement are Roger Federer (783), Novak Djokovic (700), Andre Agassi (592) and Rafael Nadal (518).
“Cement has always been my favorite surface and 500 is a big number, so I’m proud of that,” admitted the Briton. There are very few players who have reached this plateau, so I am happy that I was able to reach the 500 plateau before retiring. »