"My 36-year tennis journey has come to an end" - these are the words of Jamie Murray, a seven-time Grand Slam champion and the first British doubles player to reach world No 1, as he announces his retirement from professional tennis. Murray, who is the elder brother of two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, has been working as a pundit for Sky Sports Tennis in recent weeks. The 40-year-old played a vital role in Great Britain's 2015 Davis Cup triumph, the nation's first in 79 years, where he partnered his brother to doubles victories in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final against Belgium in Ghent.
Murray expressed his gratitude on Instagram, stating, "I feel very fortunate and privileged for all the amazing experiences this great sport has given me." He thanked his family for their support and everyone else who helped him throughout his career. Murray's impressive career includes 34 doubles titles, two of which were won at Wimbledon in mixed doubles, and 14 wins from 20 doubles matches in the Davis Cup.
Britain's Davis Cup captain, Leon Smith, praised Murray, saying, "He played an invaluable role in our Davis Cup 2015 winning campaign, and we have many great memories from across the 20 ties he's played." Murray was the first British player to reach world No 1 in doubles and, along with his brother Andy, became the first brothers to simultaneously top the rankings in singles and doubles. Andy Murray 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." Jamie Murray will take up the role of tournament director at the HSBC Championships at Queen's Club this summer.