Tennis legend Billie Jean King has become the latest big name to give her verdict on the future of Andy Murray amid debate over whether the Brit should retire.
The legendary American proclaimed that Murray should end his “incredible” career when “he decides it’s time” and highlighted the 36-year-old’s love for tennis.
Murray suffered a 5-7, 4-6 defeat to talented 23-year-old Czech Tomas Machac in the opening round of the ATP 250 tournament in Marseille last week to take his record in 2024 to 0-4.
The world No 50 has lost his last six competitive matches and nine of his last 10 going back to September during a brutal run of form.
The previous week, the former world No 1 suffered a disappointing three-set loss to Benoit Paire in the first round of the ATP 250 tournament in Montpellier.
The defeat sparked some to suggest Murray should call time on his career given his struggles, with an article on the BBC Sport website arguing he may be “tarnishing” his legacy by continuing.
In a post on X, the two-time Olympic champion fired back at the claim and declared his intention to keep playing: “Tarnishing my legacy? Do me a favour. 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.”
Three former world No 1’s — Martina Navratilova, Andy Roddick and Rennae Stubbs — were among those who swiftly defended the two-time Wimbledon winner.
