John McEnroe has told Andy Murray that players will always second-guess themselves when it comes to retirement.
Murray has gone to incredible lengths to continue his career and be as competitive as possible. The most notable example is the hip resurfacing that he did in 2019. This means that Murray has played with a metal hip since then.
The Brit is now 36 years old, and talk of his retirement coming soon has been rife. It is still early in the season, but that talk has only been heightened by Murray losing his first two matches, including to Marian Cilic at the Kooyong Classic.
Such losses are particularly tough to take for a player who was as great as Murray before his hip issues. He is a three-time Grand Slam champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist and a former world No. 1.
That is why iNews reports that McEnroe feels Murray will find it tough to retire without having one more deep run at a major, since he still feels that is where he belongs.
"And it's going to be hard for him to retire because he loves the game and he wants that one big run, that chance of playing Novak in the semis or final of a major or Rafa."
McEnroe has advised Murray that no matter when he chooses to retire, it is likely he will second guess if it was the right decision.
"So even when it seems like the perfect time to stop, you could end up looking back and start to second guess. Unfortunately as an athlete you feel like you're always doing that. So it's not the easiest thing to accept."
Seven-time Grand Slam champion McEnroe has been through the retirement process before. Hearing the insight that goes through a player's mind when making that decision is fascinating.
Hopefully, Murray, who is set to play in Marseille after the Australian Open, will play for a while yet. Tennis fans should savour having this legend of the sport still on the court for now.
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