Andy Murray fought back the tears as Sue Barker led an emotional tribute to the Scot’s career after his defeat in the men’s doubles last night.
But the Scot, 37, gave a big hint he could return to Centre Court as a top coach.
The double Wimbledon singles champion was not able to produce a final miracle on Centre Court as he and his brother Jamie lost in straight sets to Aussies Rinky Hijikata and John Peers.
The former world No.1 had only undergone spinal surgery 12 days ago and he was battling against the fading of the light in the June evening gloom. But last night was really about a chance to celebrate and appreciate his amazing career. And the All England Club did the Scot proud.
Murray’s wife Kim, his eldest daughters Sophia and Edie, parents and friends were all in a packed Centre Court. The match was far too tense to be fun.
But at the end of the nerve-wracking 7-6 6-4 defeat, a guard of honour including Dan Evans, Cam Norrie, Jack Draper, Lleyton Hewitt, Iga Swiatek, Novak Djokovic, Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe walked out onto Centre Court in the near dark.
And the All England Club played a video montage of tributes from his fellow Big Four members Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Djokovic.
Unlike in 2019 when the Australian Open played a similar recording just before his second hip surgery, this time was for real.
