Andy Murray has lashed out at suggestions his steady decline is tarnishing his legacy.
It's been more than seven years since his last grand slam win at Wimbledon in 2016 and he hasn't made a final since.
Injuries have plagued the 36-year-old, who is one of the 'Big Four' of more than a decade alongside legends Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and the now-retired Roger Federer.
READ MORE: Socceroos opponent locked in after epic comeback
THE MOLE: 'Next Nathan Cleary' in line for 'shock' promotion
READ MORE: NRL legend's shock new role with Tigers
Murray, a finalist at Melbourne Park on five occasions, bombed out of the Australian Open in the first round thanks to Tomas Etcheverry.
"There's a definite possibility that will be the last time I play here," Murray said in his post-match press conference.
Two weeks later, he suffered another first-round exit at the hands of journeyman Benoit Paire at the Open Sud de France.
Murray has repeatedly been asked when he might retire, and that string of lacklustre results bore fruit for a column to reignite the debate.
"He's yet to win a match in three tournaments this year," wrote BBC Scotland's Kheredine Idessane.
"He's now gone out in the first round of six of his past seven events. In his past nine matches, Murray – one of the greatest competitors in the modern history of the game – has won just one. At what point does bravely soldiering on start to damage his legacy?"
https://twitter.com/andy_murray/status/1752416171511476557
That prompted a terse response from Murray, who said he'll decide when he's done and won't be pressured into calling it quits any sooner.
"Tarnishing my legacy? Do me a favour," Murray wrote on social media.
"I'm in a terrible moment right now I'll give you that. Most people would quit and give up in my situation right now. But I'm not most people and my mind works differently.
"I won't quit. I will keep fighting and working to produce the performances I know I'm capable of."
US Open winner Andy Roddick went in to bat for Murray.
"Preach! Imagine telling an accomplished iconic adult your opinion on what they should choose for work and when they should do it," he replied.
"This is such a dumb, thirsty article. Can't take a legacy away. Accomplishment lives forever."
Murray is currently 49th in the ATP world rankings.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.