Tears everywhere as British icon Murray departs

In the moments after Murray’s illustrious career came to an end at the Paris 2024 Olympics, there was an outpouring of emotion.

It was felt at Roland Garros by Murray, by his British teammates, by the thousands of adoring fans chanting his name.

It was also felt across a nation which will never see one of its sporting icons play professionally again – and Balding’s reaction probably summed up the feelings of many who have watched this British hero over the years.

“Obviously, it was emotional because it’s the last time I will play a competitive match,” said Murray, who was also applauded by his mother Judy watching on. “But I am genuinely happy just now. I’m happy with how it finished.”

Murray is no stranger to getting emotional in public, of course.

Most famously, there were the tears on Wimbledon’s Centre Court after losing to Roger Federer in the 2012 final, finally endearing him to a larger share of the British public.

“This isn’t going to be easy...” he said to Sue Barker on court post-match that day, before the tears came.