Andy Murray makes defiant retirement promise amid losing streak
The former world No 1 has lost his last six matches stretching back to October and slipped to 50th in the ATP rankings
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Andy Murray has vowed to keep playing tennis as he looks for an end to his losing run.
The former world No 1 has lost his last six matches stretching back to October and slipped to 50th in the ATP rankings.
The 36-year-old has faced questions about retirement but, ahead of playing in next week’s Qatar Open, he has shared his determination to keep going.
“I can do whatever I want,” Murray told Sky Sports Tennis. “I don’t have to do what fans or journalists or anyone is telling me to do.
“I’m qualifying for all of these tournaments on my right, on my ranking from the matches I’ve won. I want to keep playing just now. I’m not going to stop.”
Murray will face a qualifier in the first round of the Qatar Open, a competition he won in 2008 and 2009 and finished runner-up in 2017 and 2023.
The three-time grand slam singles champion admits he has found his start to the year hard, but is hoping he can return to form.
He added: “Tennis-wise it hasn’t been a great start to the year. I’ve never experienced a period like this as a professional. It’s been difficult, a new experience for me (which) is not the nicest, but good to experience new things and try and learn from them.
“I was never a great practice player, I didn’t used to win practice matches, exhibition matches. It’s been the complete opposite for me recently.
“I know there’s better tennis in me than I’m showing just now, but I’m hoping I can turn it around.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments