DOCS TOLD ME I MIGHT STRUGGLE TO WALK PROPERLY

Murray reveals medics warned him cyst on back could leave him struggling in later life as he lifts lid on agonising decision to retire from tennis

- FRASER WILSON and JEREMY ARMSTRONG

A TEARFUL Andy Murray told how the devastating impact of tennis on his body brought an end to his illustrious career.

Sir Andy, 37, was warned the cyst on his back might leave him struggling to walk.

A surgeon did a "fantastic job" to give him the chance of a last farewell at the Olympics.

And he thanked his fans back home after the tears fell at the end of his final appearance, a quarter-final doubles defeat with Dan Evans against US No3 seeds Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.

The sense of humour was there to the last as the star posted on X: "Never even liked tennis anyway." He also changed his X bio from "I play tennis to "I played tennis."

Sir Andy admitted there had been tears at the end but said: "We gave it a good go."

Explaining the reasons behind his decision to retire, he said: "It was not the perfect ending. It would have been amazing to win a medal but we gave it a good go.

"I knew this was coming and obviously I was emotional. I knew it was the last time that I played a competitive match.

"But I am happy it ended on my terms. Eighteen months ago, I was told with the scan on my back I would not play here or at Wimbledon. At least I got this some great memories. Being part of the team is what makes the Olympics so special.

"You are around these amazing people who can do incredible things. In the Olympic village, you have people from every country in the world with people who eat, sleep, train next to each other and get along, And that is what I am going to miss."

He knew his body could take no more after the scan on the cyst on his back 18 months ago.