Andy Murray retires: Nick Kyrgios posts touching and personal message to close friend after announcement

The normally hot-headed Australian posted a touching tribute to ‘big brother’ Murray after his announcement that he is on the verge of retirement

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has sent a touching personal tribute to Andy Murray after the British tennis great revealed he is on the verge of injury-enforced retirement.

The three-time Grand Slam champion announced on Friday in an emotional press conference that he is considering retirement later in the year after one last run at Wimbledon, but added that his painful hip injury could bring that forward to an announcement next week depending on how far he progresses in the Australian Open.

The tournament, which kicks off on Monday in Melbourne, will have a cloud hanging over it as one of the most liked and loved players on the tour prepares to bow out, having struggled for years with a serious hip injury.

A number of tributes were immediately paid to Murray, with fellow British players Kyle Edmund and Johanna Konta among them as they prepare for their own campaigns Down Under.

But perhaps the most touching one of all came from Australian Kyrgios, whose hot-headed and controversial side was completely dispelled in an emotional and personal message to Murray, thanking him for all he has done to help him throughout his career.

“Andy, I know you take me for a joker most of the time, but at least hear me out on this one old friend,” Kyrgios wrote on social media.

“You will always be someone that impacted the sport in so many different ways, I know this was never the way you wanted to go out, but hey it was a heck of a ride.

“You took me under your wing as soon as I got on tour, and to this day you have been someone I literally just look forward to seeing. You are one crazy tennis player, miles better than me, but I just want you to know that today isn’t only a sad day for you and your team, it’s a sad day for the sport and for everyone you’ve had an impact on.”

Kyrgios went on to describe the relationship between them as a brotherhood, with Murray and Kyrgios known to be close friends on the tour as the Briton looked out for him during his most controversial days as his mouth often landed him in trouble with officials.

“Which leaves me big fella…these are a couple photos, that should make you smile and think, I was actually a little bit of a younger brother to you.

“Anyways, I just want you to know, and I’m sure you already do, everyone wants you to keep fighting and to keep being you. Good luck at the Australian Open Muzz, I’ll be behind you. #onelastdance.”

The post was a rare insight not just into the true personality of Kyrgios but also his relationship with Murray, and with the two-time Wimbledon champion on the lookout for a new career beyond playing tennis, the prospect of mentoring or coaching young players like Kyrgios does not seem such a farfetched one.