London 2012 gold medal outshines other achievements for retiring Murray: "It is once in a lifetime"
ATP
As Andy Murray gears up for a final Olympic Games swansong, nothing will outweigh in his mind when he took the gold medal at the London 2012 edition as he looks ahead to Paris and playing for the final time in the coming days.
Murray will retire after the Olympic Games and said that he sees his run at the London games ahead of his Grand Slams and that everything clicked for once whilst also enjoying being on the tennis court.
“Winning the gold medal and obviously the silver in London is probably a big highlight. Obviously Wimbledon was amazing but the way I felt that week [in London] meant the most to me,” Murray said to Eurosport as he prepares for final Olympic bow.
“I don’t always like it on the court, I do find competing very stressful,” Murray continued. “But that week, I was so happy. I really enjoyed the whole week.
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“It is once in a lifetime to compete in an Olympics at home, and you know you’re not going to get that opportunity again. Certainly made the most of it.
“I was lucky to win a couple of medals and we were really close to getting gold in the mixed as well. I did feel good going into that whole week I played. I felt like I was playing really, really well. I wasn’t certainly sure I would win the final against Federer, but it was one of the best matches I’ve ever played to be honest.
“Everything seemed to click that week. I don't know why that was the case. But I wish I could have played like that more often.”
Whilst he is a multiple Grand Slam champion, the Olympic Games outweighs all for Murray.
Also he discussed his decision to retire at the Olympic Games and how it differs from anything else he competes in as a sportsman. As well as how he took his decision to end his career when he did.
“I’ve been really lucky," Murray continued. "Athletes don’t always acknowledge that side of things but you need a lot of luck to hang around for that long. There have been some amazing athletes who have played in five, six Olympics. I’m glad to do it one more time.
“It’s really different. It’s amazing how just the change in the colours of the background can affect the feel of a place. Obviously really familiar with Roland-Garros and being in Paris but the Olympics bring a different atmosphere.
“We experienced that in London, it wasn’t how Wimbledon usually is. It was a very different feel. I love that. And I hope the French people come out and support and create a brilliant atmosphere there.”
“I spoke to my team last year about finishing this year," he said. "I spoke to my family about that as well, but not until two or three months ago, I wasn’t really that happy about it.
“I was unsure whether it was the right time. I still felt like I wanted to keep going, then when I had the problem with my back in Queens and the surgery, I knew that I wanted to finish because my body was telling me it was time, and physically it’s been hard the past few years.
“I knew when I had the operation I wouldn’t be able to play in the Olympics or Wimbledon. My scab looked worse than it was. The surgeons did a brilliant job, but it wasn’t pretty.
“Now I feel good, I know this is going to be my last event and I think it’s the right time. Yeah, I’m certain about it now, I’m glad I took my time over it and didn’t rush into anything. I feel comfortable about it.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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