Tennis news - Roger Federer ‘shocked’, Novak Djokovic ‘hurt’ by Andy Murray’s looming retirement

Updated 13/01/2019 at 08:38 GMT

Roger Federer admits he was “a little bit shocked” by the news Andy Murray will retire this year, but hopes the Briton can fulfil his wish by ending his career at Wimbledon.

Andy Murray and Roger Federer

Image credit: Getty Images

WATCH AUSTRALIAN OPEN LIVE ON EUROSPORT AND EUROSPORT PLAYER

Earlier this week, a tearful Murray broke down several times as he conceded that the Australian Open may be his final tournament, with the severe pain from his right hip having become almost unbearable.

Australian Open

A case of substance over style: Why Djokovic can already be called the GOAT

05/06/2020 at 13:14

The three-time Grand Slam champion, now ranked 230th in the world, said that he had initially planned to retire after Wimbledon tournament but admitted that he may struggle to continue beyond Melbourne Park, where he faces Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round.

And Federer – who has faced Murray 25 times including the Wimbledon and Olympic finals in 2012 – is hopeful the 31-year-old can push through to SW19.

“I think his body took the decision unfortunately. It must have been a very long couple of years for him. Everyone can understand when he comes from when you feel you can't get back to 100% and you've had the success Andy had,” said Federer.

I was disappointed and sad, a little bit shocked, to know now that we're going to lose him at some point.

"But we're going to lose everybody at some point. It's just now that it's definite. Of course, I hope that he can play a good Australian Open and he can keep playing beyond that, really finish the way he wants to at Wimbledon."

Meanwhile, Federer is hoping for an Australian Open hat-trick after winning in 2017 and 2018.

The Swiss is also chasing a 21st Grand Slam, but at 37, he concedes fortune has favoured him on the injuries front.

"I definitely needed a little bit of luck," Federer added. "If you look at how unlucky things were with the incident here a few years ago when I ran the bath, I guess the knee, that part of the body was ready to go.

"Could have happened easily in the match against Novak, but it didn't, maybe because I was warmed up. I have no idea what happened. I think you also need a little bit of luck."

World number one Novak Djokovic also paid tribute to Murray, saying he was ‘hurt’ to hear the news of his imminent retirement.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia talks with Andy Murray of Great Britain

Image credit: Getty Images

Djokovic played a practice match with Murray on Thursday, in which the Serb led 6-1 4-1 before their time was up on court.

"I wasn't (holding back), no,” Djokovic said. “But I did see it was very obvious for everyone who saw it that he's struggling. He's not moving as well as he normally does. We've seen so many years of Andy Murray being one of the fittest guys on the tour.

“To that extent we're kind of similar. Our trajectory in the tennis world was similar. We've grown together playing junior events & lots of epic matches. Our games are quite alike.