No ‘perfect ending’ but Murray proud of French Open legacy

Along one of the stands of the Philippe Chatrier court is a quote attributed to Roland Garros.

“Victory belongs to the most tenacious,” proclaimed Garros, the pioneering 20th century aviator after whom the French Open venue is named.

Without a doubt, Andy Murray has been tenacious throughout his career.

However, victory did not belong to the 37-year-old in the first men’s singles round of what is expected to be his last French Open.

The former British world number one is likely to retire at the end of this year, although he has not yet outlined his exact plans.

“There has been a lot of talk about the right way, or rather, to stop playing tennis. There is no perfect ending in most scenarios,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I’d like to win a game or a tournament, but it doesn’t really happen that way for most players.”

Murray’s tenacity has been illustrated by his achievements at the French Open.

Clay courts “haven’t always been easy” for him, as he admitted again after losing 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 to fellow veteran and 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka on Sunday.

However, he reached the final of Roland Garros, the pinnacle of the surface and his ultimate test, when he lost to Novak Djokovic in 2016. He appeared in the semifinals in four other years and lost in the quarterfinals in two others. occasions in his 12 appearances.

Added to that, the Scot won some of the most important ATP Tour titles on red dirt.

“I’ve done very well here over the years. I think the problem for me is that when you compare it to what Rafa (Nadal) or Novak achieved at the same time, it’s obviously minuscule in comparison,” Murray said.

“But most players would sign up because of the results I’ve had here.”

Spain’s Nadal has won a record 14 French Open titles, and Djokovic triumphed three times.

“I lost against Novak in five (sets), Stan in five (sets) and twice against Rafa. Obviously, there is no shame in that.

“In another era, perhaps the results would have been a little different.

“But I’m proud of the results I got here and I have great memories.”

Murray’s French Open isn’t over yet as he is scheduled to play in the men’s doubles alongside fellow Brit Dan Evans.

It may not be his last trip to Roland Garros, home of the tennis competitions at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, either.

“My body is not what it was 10 years ago. I am fully aware of that,” Murray said.

“It takes a lot of time and effort to be in a position to go out and compete. It’s not always perfect.”

“But I still enjoy trying and trying to go out and be as competitive as possible.”