Andy Murray’s 8 potential career moves after tennis retirement from golf to modelling and following mum Judy’s footsteps
ANDY MURRAY bid an emotional farewell to his illustrious tennis career at the Paris Olympics.
Two-time gold medallist Murray, 37, won three Grand Slam titles, including two Wimbledons, spent 41 weeks as the world No1 and played 1,001 singles matches.
He did all that during the greatest era of men’s tennis ever seen – up against three titans of the sport in Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
The once slightly prickly Scot won over the hearts of the British public on Centre Court – breaking down in tears after losing the 2012 final before making amends 12 months later to end 77 years of hurt.
Murray spent the final five years as a professional playing with a metal hip before his body eventually prevented him from competing at the top any longer.
But before hanging up his racquet as one of Britain’s all-time great athletes, he enjoyed two Murray-culous comebacks from match points down alongside Dan Evans representing Team GB.
Now he has plenty more time on his hands and is relishing his new-found freedom, telling BBC Radio 4: “I have got lots of time to do whatever it is I want. I can dedicate time to my children and have free time to play golf or go to the gym on my own terms.
“It is really nice and I didn’t expect that. I was expecting to find retirement hard and be missing tennis a lot and wanting to get back on the tennis court on tour.
“So far it has been the complete opposite to what I was thinking.”
So, what will Sir Andy Murray do in his retirement? Well, one thing is for sure: he is not short of options…
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1. Become a coach
The obvious and most likely choice is Murray will go into coaching.
He hinted at that during his touching ceremony at Wimbledon this year and many inside tennis believe he has the materials to make a top coach.
Not only was he an exceptional player but he showed grit, character, determination, team ethic and personality during his career.
The chance to invest and pour into a rising star and develop them to maximise their talent would surely appeal to Murray.
Jack Draper could be that rising star – the pair have a good friendship, Draper is a grafter and Murray could add a wealth of knowledge and experience as an additional voice in the camp.
Emma Raducanu is another option. Murray has always been a public and vocal advocate of the women’s game and could put their Wimbledon mixed doubles fiasco behind them to get the former US Open champion back competing for the biggest prizes again.
Finally, Murray loved the Davis Cup, winning it in 2015, and would surely relish the chance to succeed Leon Smith as Great Britain’s captain going forwards.
2. Do some media work
Murray is a tennis expert, no doubt about it – he sees things in a way many others can’t and is able to articulate that well.
Add in his engaging personality and dry sense of humour and he would be a fine addition to any broadcast team.
Murray has previously stated he is not interested in going down the punditry or commentary route.
But if reports are to be believed, the BBC will test his resolve with a big-money offer to work at Wimbledon next year.
3. Try his hand as tournament director
Sticking with tennis, a slightly more mundane job could be to go into tennis administration – such as a tournament director.
Andy’s brother Jamie ran the Queen’s event before Wimbledon this year.
Although the younger sibling may not have the same patience and desire for a more office-based job.
4. Time to be a stay-at-home dad
Murray loved life as a tennis pro – even revealing he misses the brutal physical training sessions in the gym to keep his body in tip-top condition.
But one thing that hurt him most was having to say goodbye to his doting wife Kim and their four children for weeks at a time – admitting he “felt guilty” each time.
Now, though, Andy can be around at home far more – helping with the school runs, homework, cooking and generally being far more present than previously.
5. Give golf a swing
Okay, Murray probably won’t go from pro tennis player to pro golf star – but he is certainly playing more golf these days.
He is even teeing it up with compatriot Bob MacIntyre at the BMW Pro-Am at Wentworth.
Murray is said to play off a handicap of seven – not shabby at all – and his steely competitiveness will be determined to get that down to scratch.
Drop the kids at school then get 18 holes in, maybe?
6. Work as his own hotel manager
Murray could channel his inner Tom Hiddleston and take over as the (night) manager at his own hotel.
The Scot owns the luxury five-star Cromlix just outside his hometown Dunblane, buying the estate for £2million in 2013.
But after getting renovation work done, could he swap courts for concierge?
There is a tennis court on site if he wants to blow away the cobwebs, too.
7. Shine as a model
Andy Murray has aged like a fine wine.
From the bushy-haired teen who burst on to the scene, he now cuts a handsome gentleman in his late 30s – maybe even hitting his prime.
His photoshoot with Modern Luxury would certainly add weight to that argument – so could Murray have a new career as a model? Well, maybe.
Andy and Kim also did an ad campaign together with a fun video sketch at home with La Roche-Posay – and he is a natural in front of the camera.
8. Go on Strictly Come Dancing
This one may be a little far fetched, admittedly.
But we’ve already had his mum Judy Murray light up the ballroom on the BBC primetime show.
Could Andy be prepared to don the sequins and sparkle on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor?
Something tells me he’d be better in the Australian jungle on I’m A Celeb instead.