Jamie Murray, the first British doubles player to reach world No 1, has announced his retirement from professional tennis. The 40-year-old, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, has been working as a pundit for Sky Sports Tennis. Murray played a crucial role in Great Britain's 2015 Davis Cup victory, partnering his brother Andy to doubles wins in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final against Belgium.
"My tennis journey comes to an end after 36 years," Murray posted on Instagram. He expressed gratitude to his family and supporters, saying, "Thanks Mum, Dad, Andy, Ale, Alan, Louis, and Thomas for all your incredible support, efforts, and sacrifices throughout my career." Murray won 34 doubles titles, including two Wimbledon mixed doubles titles, and ended his Davis Cup career with 14 wins from 20 doubles matches. Britain's Davis Cup captain, Leon Smith, praised Murray's contributions, saying, "Jamie's been an unbelievable player representing Great Britain on the world stage over his career." Murray was the first British player to reach world No 1 in doubles and, along with his brother Andy, became the first siblings to simultaneously top the rankings in singles and doubles. Andy paid tribute to his brother on social media, saying, "Jamie, I'm not sure what I loved more when we were kids.
Being on court with you or winding you up, but I know the way we pushed each other helped us go as far as we did." Murray will take up the role of tournament director at the HSBC Championships at Queen's Club this summer.