Andy Murray is being praised for his views on mental health and feminism after announcing his retirement

The British tennis Andy Murray has tearfully announced today that he hopes to retire at this years Wimbledon tournament but fears that next week's Australian Open might be his final competition.

The 31-year-old Scot has been suffering from a "severely damaged right hip" which has resulted in him making this decision, with the original plan to bow out at Wimbledon in the summer.

Speaking to the press on Friday morning, the three-time Grand Slam winner and double Olympic gold medallist said:

In my training block in December I spoke to my team and told them: ‘I cannot keep doing this’. I needed to have an end point because I was playing with no idea when the pain was going to stop. I felt like making that decision.

 

I said to my team: ‘Look, I think I can get through this until Wimbledon.’ That’s where I would like to stop playing, but I am not certain I am able to do that.

Reaction to this news soon began to filter onto Twitter where his fellow tennis pros paid tribute to him and wished him all the best for the future.

Journalists, presenters and politicians also offered their tributes and thanks and praise for the star.

Others have pointed out how humane and relatable he came across as a person and during interviews.

One particular moment from Murray's career where he called out casual sexism, something that he had done throughout his career, also started to be shared again.

He's also been a strong advocate for mental health awareness.

People think that he'd suit a career in politics.

Tennis wasn't the only sport that he was good at.

Let's not forget what is arguably his greatest ever moment.

Thanks for all the memories, Andy. We wish you all the best in your retirement.