John McEnroe reckons Andy Murray’s decision when to retire is a tricky dilemma for the former world number one. Three-time Grand Slam winner Murray crashed out of the French Open in round one last weekend, admitting after defeat to long-time rival Stan Warwinka that his injury-ravaged body is nearing the end at elite level.
But whether the Scot, 37, opts to call it a day after one last Wimbledon this summer or stretch it to the Paris Olympics or even the US Open is still unclear.
McEnroe sympathises with Murray’s conundrum but is adamant he must be allowed to choose the time and place of his exit without any pressure – given his glittering achievements over two decades at the summit.
Three-time Wimbledon champion Mac, talking on Eurosport, said: “Andy is a tougher one because he’s been at the top of the game – he finished 2016 as number one.
“He’s played Stan and said it’s the beginning of the end, that the body is starting to give out. When the body doesn’t allow you to do things from the past, that’s got to be incredibly hard for Andy.
“You really feel for him because he’s such a class out. He’s done everything he possibly could to be the best and that’s all you can ask from an athlete.
“Wimbledon would be one to go out on as he’s won there a couple of times. But when you’ve done as much as he has, he should do whatever he wants.
“I’m not sure if he’s going to the Olympics but, if I were Andy and he wants to keep playing, he might as well try to get ready for the US Open.
“Hopefully, when the moment comes, he’ll feel it’s the time!”
Murray was among the six British first-round losers in the singles at Roland Garros and fared no better in the doubles on Friday as he and Dan Evans went out at the opening hurdle.
