Murray hoping to enjoy last fling

TENNIS: There’s a prospect, mightily painful for both player and his adoring fans, that today could be the last time Andy Murray competes on a tennis court.

On Friday in Melbourne, the five-time Australian Open runner-up fought back the tears as he announced his looming retirement at some stage in 2019 owing to a debilitating hip condition.

So expect an almighty response from the Melbourne Park crowd when Murray takes on 22nd seed Roberto Bautista Agut in the Open’s first round.

Just don’t expect a performance worthy of Murray’s (pictured) stature.

“I know I’ve got no chance of winning this tournament and most likely I’m going to lose in the first round,” Murray said.

“I’m not happy about that. It’s going to be uncomfortable.

“If it is my last match, I want to try and enjoy it, enjoy the whole experience which is maybe something during my career that I’ve not done. I’ve always been focused on tactics and winning and finding a way.”

The 30-year-old Scot says he will assess his future in the sport after the tournament, with a goal of reaching Wimbledon in July for a worthy swansong.

Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty