Ash Barty's special bond with retiring tennis star Andy Murray revealed in heartwarming tribute
Ash Barty has paid tributed to retiring tennis star Andy Murray, after he bowed out of Paris 2024 in his men's doubles quarterfinal loss.
Murray went down with partner Daniel Evans, in a 6-2, 6-4 straight-sets defeat to American duo Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.
It was an emotional goodbye, despite Murray already hinting that the Olympic Games would be his last official tournament.
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The 37-year-old is a three-time grand slam singles champion and the only tennis player with two Olympic singles golds.
His first gold medal was won at London 2012, followed by his second at Rio de Janeiro 2016.
An emotional Andy Murray after his final game of professional tennis at Paris 2024. Getty
Now, Australian tennis star Barty has heaped praise on Murray, in a heartwarming tribute.
"What a human being, what a tennis player, what a champion. We all love watching Andy Murray," Barty said on Stan Sport.
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"We love the emotion he gives us and the display of tennis, and how much it means to him.
"There were so many people in the crowd that will always remember that moment where they were able to say farewell to Andy Murray.
"He's going to be sorely missed on the tour but what an incredible champion."
As for what may lie ahead for Murray, who expressed his excitement at finally getting to have a rest and spend time with his young family, Barty would love to see him head down under.
"His humour is brilliant. I think he would fit in so well in Australia… but he is a very, very funny human being. I absolutely love him," she said.
Ash Barty. Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
But Barty's hint at some time in Australia didn't come out of the blue, after explaining the pair's strong bond during their playing days, that almost led to a special Wimbledon debut.
"He asked me to play mixed doubles with him at Wimbledon a few years ago and I said that I would love to - what an opportunity - but physically I wasn't up to playing in singles, doubles and mixed," Barty said.
"I didn't want to be disappoint and have to withdraw or anything, so I said no, not this time."
