Murray nears end of career

Billie Jean leads tributes as Andy calls time on career

Billie Jean King led the tributes after Andy Murray announced his intention to retire, saying the Scot will leave a lasting legacy on the sporting world.

At a tearful press conference ahead of next week’s Australian Open, Murray admitted the effects of the pain in his right hip that has dogged him for more than 18 months could force him to hang up his racket next week.

Murray is hoping to able to go out on home soil at Wimbledon in the summer but conceded Monday’s match against Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round in Melbourne could be his last.

The 31-year-old from Dunblane has admitted his body is no longer able to perform at the level that earned him his three Grand Slams – the US Open in 2012 and the Wimbledon titles in 2013 and 2016 as well as two Olympic golds – and is unsure if he will be fit enough to make a final hurrah at SW19 this summer.

Murray’s heroics inspired countless youngsters to take up tennis but King believes it is the support he gave the women’s game that may be his biggest long-term impact on the sport.

The American, who won 39 Grand Slams, wrote on Twitter: “You are a champion on and off the court.

“So sorry you cannot retire on your own terms, but remember to look to the future.

“Your greatest impact on the world may be yet to come. Your voice for equality will inspire future generations. Much love to you and your family.”

Johanna Konta, Britain’s number one female tennis player, said: “There have been so many examples of when he has stood up for us – not just for women’s tennis but women in general.

“He has also been blessed with two daughters and I think he’s grown up with a really strong female role model with his mum and now his wife.

“He has put that through in the way he has voiced his opinions and the way he has tackledand issues that have arisen.

“I can’t imagine the sport without him to be honest. He has just been there all the time.”

British No. 1 Kyle Edmund said: “He was probably the greatest British sportsman.”