Andy Murray has suffered with a number of injuries during his career. But in January this year he shared he’d not woken up with any aches and pains the last few years.
He said: “As long as the body holds up well and I’m training properly and performing to a level I’m enjoying, then I will keep going. But I don’t have a time frame [for retirement].”
But if a big injury were to happen now he would likely retire from the sport.
He told ESPN: “If my body is in good shape and I’m still able to compete consistently, I’ll keep playing.
“But I can’t look so far in advance with the age I’m at and with the issues I’ve had.
“If I was to have a big injury, I probably wouldn’t try to come back from that.”
At the age of 36, Andy has had two hip surgeries – one in 2018, and the other in 2019.
Hip resurfacing surgery
Nuffield Health explained the procedure differs from a total hip replacement in that it “retains more of the bone”.
Nuffield Health stated: “During the procedure, the damaged surfaces of the femur head (ball of the thigh bone) and the acetabulum (socket in your pelvis) are reshaped and replaced with a cover.”
The procedure is fairly new, but it’s been shown to last just as long as a traditional hip replacement, which is 15 years.
While his body should be in tip-top shape, should another injury not take place, Andy is also aware of the importance of looking after your mental health.
In a candid interview, following the revelation that Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios experienced suicidal thoughts after losing a match in 2019, Andy Murray can empathise with how “difficult” such a loss can be.
“Individual sports are difficult,” Andy told Sky News. “You’re putting yourself out there, every single week.
“And, granted, I’m fully aware there are way more important things in life than a tennis match. And I’m sure Nick, as well, is also very aware of that.”
Andy continued: “But, sometimes, it’s very difficult when you’re on tour, it can become quite a lonely place.
“When you’re sitting in hotel rooms on your own, and you’ve had tough losses, and are away from friends and family… you can have some really tough moments.”
Andy added: “It doesn’t surprise me when athletes struggle with their mental health.”
The tennis professional stated that social media can also contribute to a player’s low mood.
“There’s the whole social media thing,” Andy stated, adding that this simply wasn’t an issue 20 years ago, but it is now.
“You get back to your room, look at Twitter or Instagram, receiving tonnes of abuse when you’re already not in a great place [after losing a match]… it’s not easy.”
Mental health charity Mind says: “Suicidal thoughts aren’t permanent – things do improve.
“With treatment and support, including self-care, the majority of people who have felt suicidal go on to live fulfilling lives.
“The earlier you let someone know how you’re feeling, the quicker you’ll be able to get support to overcome these feelings.”
If you would like someone to talk to, Samaritans are available every day, all day and night, on 116 123.
An additional support service includes Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), which is contactable at 0800 58 58 58.
There is also the Maytree Suicide Respite Centre, which offers free respite stays for people in suicidal crisis.
The Maytree Suicide Respite Centre is available on 020 7263 7070.
