The stats inform a narrative of regular decline. He is but to win a match in three tournaments this yr. He is now gone out within the first spherical of six of his previous seven occasions. In his previous 9 matches, Murray – one of many biggest rivals within the trendy historical past of the sport – has gained only one. At what level does bravely soldiering on begin to injury his legacy?
Two Wimbledons, a US Open title, eight different Grand Slam finals and two Olympic gold medals make for fairly the portfolio. He was additionally half the crew that helped Dunblane – sorry, Nice Britain – win the Davis Cup. As if all of that was not sufficient, he then gained a event 9 months after having a hip changed, proving he can defy science in addition to perception. To return to the highest stage of the tour in singles with a steel hip is unprecedented. It borders on the unimaginable to then win a title and attain two different finals.
Since shedding to Daniil Medvedev within the final of these in Doha final yr, nonetheless, there was a gradual downturn. He has not gained greater than two matches at any tour-level occasion since. Murray’s world rating peaked at 36, simply in need of a seeding on the Slams. He is now about to drop out of the highest 50 once more.
He is entered three occasions in February: Marseille, Doha and Dubai. Given the extent of his current performances, he’s absolutely now questioning whether or not all that point away from the household is basically value it.
Safeguarding his personal psychological well being should absolutely come into play alongside preserving his fame. If he by no means hits one other ball, his standing as an amazing of the sport, and a legend of British sport, is already safe.
He has usually in contrast the gladiatorial nature of tennis to boxing. The query is, what number of extra punches ought to Murray enable himself to take earlier than hanging up the gloves on a glittering profession?