One doubts if Andy Murray has watched the 2004 rom-com ‘Wimbledon‘, but the Scotsman has perhaps ruled out a Paul Bettany-style SW19 swansong. In the film, Peter Colt-played by Paul- strolled into the Grand Slam with retirement looming, every match his potential last. Once ranked 11, he has fallen to the lower rungs of the tennis verse. But seduced by American tennis sensation Lizzie Bradbury- played by Kirsten Dunst- he finds a second wind, winning the Championship in his final outing.

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Of course, cinema only mirrors real life (at best); it isn’t quite the real deal. Murray, however, did briefly tease a run to the deep-end at the year’s Wimbledon but was shot out by big-serving American John Isner. Subsequent early-round losses across ATP events, the last of which was at Cincinnati against the latest British hope, Cameron Norrie, seem to have snuffed out his will for a fairytale end.

“There’s part of it when you announce that you’re retiring that I imagine psychologically it’s quite difficult as well. There’s a lot of pressure then I think as well,” remarked Murray after his loss to Norrie.

“You want to perform and because it’s the last couple of tournaments, probably the whole situation puts a lot of stress on the performance. I don’t know, I don’t really know to be honest,” he added.

Perhaps announcing your exit is too formal, adding unnecessary glare to the whole deal. Instead, hinting at quitting cold turkey:

“I don’t know whether I would announce something or whether I would just stop and that would be it,” the Scot said.

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Murray-thrice Grand Slam winner and Olympic gold medallist- has been besieged by injuries, most notably undergoing two hip surgeries. A metal cap inserted into his hip ball keeps the pain away. However, since the surgeries, he has failed to rediscover the form that made him a serious threat to the Holy Trinity of Nadal, Djokovic and Federer. With close friend Serena Williams rumoured to call it quits after the year’s US Open, the likelihood of Murray doing the same cannot be disregarded.