Andy Murray claims he's 'glad' to retire from tennis on his 'own terms' after British icon bowed out of Olympics in his final match - as Novak Djokovic hails his long-time rival as a 'warrior'

Andy Murray declared on Thursday night that he was ‘happy’ to walk away from tennis ‘on my terms’ after defeat in the Olympics quarter final drew the curtain down on his illustrious career.

Murray gave his last press conference in a furious thunderstorm after he and Dan Evans managed one last fightback to break serve before the kind of emphatic defeat that he would not have wanted to bow out with.

The 37-year-old said: ‘I’m genuinely happy now with how its finished. I’m glad to come out here to the Olympics and finish on my terms because a few months ago, I was told that with the back issues I had I would not be playing here at the Olympics. But I have made amazing memories.’

Murray said he was not interested in being a TV commentator and analyst, having not enjoyed the role in the few times he’d tried it. He might just spend time at home enjoying being a father, he said.

In an ironic twist, Murray and old rival Novak Djokovic’s paths almost crossed here as the Serbian spoke to reporters about his singles win, minutes before Murray arrived to discuss his and Evans’ 6-2, 6-4 defeat to Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.

Djokovic, whom Murray defeated to take the first of his first two Wimbledon titles in 2013, said: ‘He has been an incredible competitor out on the court. One of the greatest warriors tennis has seen. I have been inspired by him, even though we are the same age.

‘The longest rivalry I have is with him because we played the first time when we were 11 years old in France. We shared many good and tough moments on the court, off the court as well, over the years. 

'He wanted to finish his career on his terms in singles at Wimbledon. But again, him being injured, pulling out from Wimbledon and still coming here, trying his best in doubles is another impressive moment.’

The Queens Club announced last night that it would be renaming its main court as ‘The Andy Murray Arena.’