NOVAK DJOKOVIC PAYS TRIBUTE TO 'LEGEND' ANDY MURRAY AND WISHES BRITISH STAR THE 'BEST POSSIBLE FAREWELL' AT THE PARIS OLYMPICS... BEFORE INSISTING HE HAS NO PLANS TO RETIRE DESPITE THE FACT 'A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD LOVE IT'

Novak Djokovic has paid tribute to Andy Murray ahead of his Olympic farewell
Murray will call an end to his career after partaking in the doubles tournament
Djokovic stated that he has no plans to retire from the sport in the near future

Novak Djokovic has paid tribute to 'legend' Andy Murray ahead of his career swan song at the Olympics.

The Scot announced on Tuesday that he was calling time on a heavily successful career as he arrived in Paris ahead of his fifth Olympic Games.

Alongside a picture of himself on the podium in Rio, Brazil, in 2016 he wrote: 'Arrived in Paris for my last ever tennis tournament @Olympics.

'Competing for Britain has been by far the most memorable weeks of my career and I'm extremely proud to get to do it one final time.'

Now, Djokovic - who Murray beat to claim the Wimbledon title back in 2013 - has wished the British star 'the best possible farewell' at the Games.

Speaking on Thursday, Djokovic said: 'I heard the news about Andy and I hope that he will have the best possible farewell in his last competitive match in the Olympics, for him and his country.

'He is a legend of our sport and has been an incredibly important player for tennis globally. Nadal of course the same, even more all the results and achievements he has had, particularly in this city, in Roland Garros.

'Nadal didn't say when his last tournament will be, so hopefully for the sake of the sport he can keep going.'

Djokovic also took time to reflect on his own career path but insisted that he is not considering hanging up his racket any time soon.

'I don't have retirement close in my mind, to be honest,' said Djokovic. 'Even though I know a lot of people would love me to retire. I think as long as there is at least one of us left in the competition, I think the era is still going.

'Of course there is a change of generations, (Carlos) Alcaraz and (Jannik) Sinner, currently they are two of the best in the world, deservedly. They are playing at a very high level. They're very young and they are going to carry the sport in the future.

'I've been present for the shift of many generations in the last 15 years, I like to see that, but I think it's also great I'm still able to play. Of course the end is nearer than the beginning, I know that. I still enjoy competition and I'll keep going until I don't enjoy it any more.'

Asked about the upcoming transition away from a 'relentless' tennis calendar, Sir Andy told the BBC: 'I've got 4 young kids - that's pretty relentless as well.

'I'm looking forward to being at home for a period of time and being around my family and going away on holiday with them and getting my mind ready for the next stage of my career.'

The two-time Wimbledon champion also teased 'something new' in his post-tennis life.

2024-07-25T20:11:42Z dg43tfdfdgfd