FAMOUS faces and the Glasgow public have reacted with sadness at the news Scottish tennis legend and former world number one Andy Murray looks set to retire.
The sportsman broke down in tears and, unable to speak, briefly walked off from a press conference in Australia while revealing the news.
The 31-year-old has battled to recover from a chronic hip condition for more than 18 months, undergoing surgery in Melbourne a year ago, but was forced to admit his efforts have not been enough.
Glasgow is the city where the tennis player was born and where tens of thousands flocked to see him play at the SSE Hydro in 2016 band 2017 after he launched Andy Murray Live, a fundraising event.
In 2017, the exhibition match took place in front of a sold out audience of over 10,000.
It also more-than-doubled the previous years’ fundraising total with over £700,000 raised for UNICEF UK and local Glasgow charity Sunny-sid3up.
Today, celebs, politicians and ordinary people from across the city and beyond have inundated social media with uplifting words of support.
Bishopbriggs singer Amy Macdonald said: “Is there any other sportsperson more relatable and more ‘human’ than Andy Murray? I can’t think of any. When I watch him play it feels like I’m fighting for every, single point right by his side. To do what he’s done in an era with so many incredible players is some achievement.”
Is there any other sportsperson more relatable and more ‘human’ than Andy Murray? I can’t think of any. When I watch him play it feels like I’m fighting for every, single point right by his side. To do what he’s done in an era with so many incredible players is some achievement.
— Amy Macdonald (@Amy__Macdonald) January 11, 2019
River City actor Stephen Purdon said: “Gutted to hear the news about Andy Murray. To win the titles he’s won in such a golden generation for tennis is unbelievable. 1 of the best and 1 of our own.”
Gutted to hear the news about Andy Murray. To win the titles he’s won in such a golden generation for tennis is unbelievable. 1 of the best and 1 of our own. #legend
— Stephen Purdon (@stephen_purdon) January 11, 2019
SNP MP for Glasgow South Stewart McDonald said: “Andy Murray long ago secured his place as one of Scotland’s great national heroes. He is a champion of the first order and a fine human being.”
Andy Murray long ago secured his place as one of Scotland’s great national heroes. He is a champion of the first order and a fine human being 🎾 pic.twitter.com/M4jUNKN5qt
— Stewart McDonald MP (@StewartMcDonald) January 11, 2019
Broadcaster John Beattie added: “I want to celebrate the career of Andy Murray - what an ambassador you are young man, how proud you made us all feel, how hard you tried every time. Well done, great career, don't get too sad about it because you made us feel great. Next chapter now.”
I want to celebrate the career of @andy_murray - what an ambassador you are young man, how proud you made us all feel, how hard you tried every time. Well done, great career, don't get too sad about it because you made us feel great. Next chapter now.
— John Beattie (@BBCJohnBeattie) January 11, 2019
Former footballer and goalkeeper Jamie Langfield said: “Very emotional watching a 31 year old man break down in tears because he can't play the game he loves so much anymore because his body won't allow him. Andy Murray, your are the greatest Scottish sportsman in my era and have inspired so many. Thank you.”
Very emotional watching a 31 year old man break down in tears because he can't play the game he loves so much anymore because his body won't allow him. @andy_murray your are the greatest Scottish sportsman in my era and have inspired so many. Thank you. 🏴
— Jamie Langfield (@jamlang22) January 11, 2019
Outlander actor John McLarnon wrote: “I will never ever forget the day @andy_murray first won Wimbledon! The greatest Scottish sportsman of my generation. Sad to see him forced out of the sport through injury, but what an unbelievable career. Hero. #AndyMurray.”
I will never ever forget the day @andy_murray first won Wimbledon! The greatest Scottish sportsman of my generation. Sad to see him forced out of the sport through injury, but what an unbelievable career. Hero. #AndyMurray
— John McLarnon (@JohnMcLarnon) January 11, 2019
The Admiral Bar, on Waterloo Street, also had touching words to share.
The staff said: “Thanks for the tennis Andy Murray. Without you we would never have become Glasgow’s number 1 tennis bar.”
Thanks for the tennis Andy Murray. Without you we would never have become Glasgow’s number 1 tennis bar.
— The Admiral Bar (@TheAdmiralBar) January 11, 2019
Last year, Andy Murray Live was crowned the winner of the the SSE Live Award for the second time following a staggering one million votes from the public.
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