TNT Sports
Alex Corretja says ‘little brother’ Andy Murray ‘achieved everything he was dreaming of’
By
Updated 23/07/2024 at 17:39 GMT+1
Andy Murray announced on Tuesday morning that he would make his final appearance as a competitive tennis player at this summer's Paris Olympic Games. The former world No. 1 has been struggling with injury for much of the last six years, and after withdrawing from the 2024 men's singles Wimbledon tournament, speculation had been building that his retirement was imminent. Alex Corretja paid tribute.
When Murray was No. 1 - Archive of British star's rise to the top
Video credit: SNTV
Andy Murray’s former coach, Alex Corretja, praised the Scot as “like a little brother” who “achieved everything he dreamed of” following news of his impending retirement.
The former world No. 1 confirmed on Tuesday that he would retire from tennis after the 2024 Paris Olympic Games following years of struggling with fitness problems.
Murray underwent extensive hip surgery, the first time in 2018, and since that moment, has been unable to get close to his best for prolonged periods.
Before then, he won three Grand Slams - two Wimbledon titles and a US Open - as well as two Olympic gold medals.
He has now decided that the Games in France will be his last appearance on court. He had been due to compete in the men’s singles at Wimbledon, but instead appeared in the doubles with his brother, Jamie.
Corretja worked with Murray from 2008-11 as he started to approach his peak, and speaking to Eurosport, he made it clear just how much the 37-year-old meant to him.
“Andy is someone who is very special to me. I consider him like a little brother,” he began.
“I remember our eyes when we first met and how open he was to learn and improve. We had a very honest conversation and I said ‘What is your dream?’ and he just said he wanted to become the No. 1 in the world, I want to win Slams and I want to do something big.
“I also remember he said to me once that 'I want to win the Davis Cup'. I just thought – Davis Cup? It’s going to be very difficult because it is a team event. He then went and made it. He pretty much made all of his goals, he was someone very determined in his ideas, he was convinced when he wanted something.
“You had to work very closely with him as he is a very smart guy. He really knows what he wants, and he wants someone next to him that understands the way he is. It is amazing how much he achieved – he achieved everything he was dreaming of. I am so proud of him and I love him very much."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2023/06/28/3734411.jpg)
Image credit: Getty Images
Corretja recalled the determination that Murray showed as he developed his game, training in Spain as a youngster.
He added: “It was more difficult for Andy, as when you grow up you want someone to look up to. It was a great move to come to Spain as a teenager because he understood the work ethic needed, he realised he needed to become very strong physically.
“His game was a bit of a counter-puncher, but then from time to time he could be very aggressive on the court, he absolutely loved to run, he didn’t mind spending three or four hours on the court. He loved to work hard, physically he was unbelievable.”
Murray is regarded by many as the greatest Briton to play the sport, and Corretja noted how difficult it had been for him to progress without examples from his home country to follow.
“He brought Great British tennis up to another level,” he asserted. “It wasn’t easy because he didn’t have many idols to look up to but he did it because he was very ambitious, and he was a winner. He always likes to win at anything he does.
“When I saw the news this morning, I knew it was coming a little bit, but once I read it I couldn’t quite believe that it was the end for him. I am very proud he came back after his injuries – he tried and he did great.
“He came back into top 50, top 40, he tried, and he will retire knowing he gave everything he had and that is perfect.”
---
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement