Andy Murray says there’s a “particular chance” he has performed his closing Australian Open after a subdued show in opposition to Tomas Martin Etcheverry in a first-round exit.
The 36-year-old Briton confirmed little emotion as he misplaced 6-4 6-2 6-2 on the second day of the Melbourne match.
Murray, a five-time finalist, failed to succeed in the second spherical for under the second time in his previous 13 appearances.
“I will not win many matches taking part in that manner,” Murray stated.
“It is a particular chance that would be the final time I play right here.”
After conceding in pre-season that 2024 might be his closing season earlier than retirement, the Scot has misplaced each of his matches this yr.
Murray informed BBC Sport in Brisbane he would take into consideration ending his stellar profession if he didn’t get pleasure from taking part in this yr, having struggled for kind within the closing phases of the 2023 season.
Because the begin of the US Open in August, Murray has misplaced eight of his previous 12 matches – together with the previous 4.
“While you are taking part in the match, you are clearly attempting to manage your feelings, give attention to the factors and every little thing,” the previous world primary stated.
“If you’re one level away from the tip, you are like, ‘I can not imagine that is over so rapidly, and like this’.
“I used to be dissatisfied with the best way I performed and all of that stuff. It was a tricky, robust approach to end.”
Murray is the second Briton to fall within the singles at Melbourne Park, following Jodie Burrage’s defeat on Sunday.
5 extra of the nation’s gamers – Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans and Jack Draper – play their opening matches on Tuesday.
