Andy Murray’s illustrious tennis career reached a bittersweet conclusion as he and Dan Evans faced defeat in the quarter-finals of the Olympic men’s doubles.

The Team GB duo battled against American third seeds Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, ultimately falling 6-2, 6-4, which extinguished their hopes for a medal.

This match marks the end of Murray's remarkable journey that began over 21 years ago when the Dunblane-born sensation first stepped onto the professional circuit.

He captured global attention as a spirited teenager at Wimbledon, where his raw talent and fierce determination set the stage for an extraordinary career. Throughout his two-decade tenure, Murray has etched his name in tennis history, securing three Grand Slam titles: two Wimbledon Championships in 2013 and 2016, and a US Open title in 2012.

His remarkable achievements have made him a standout figure in British sports - and even earned him a knitehood in May 2019.

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Beyond his individual triumphs, Murray has been a key player for Great Britain in international competitions. His gold medal win in singles at the 2012 London Olympics and his doubles gold in Rio 2016 underscore his versatility and unwavering dedication to his country.

The Olympic Games showcased Murray's enduring passion for tennis - and you could see from his efforts to get back quickly from spinal surgery just how much appearing in Paris meant to him. Particularly because his SW19 farewell didn't end how he'd have liked. 

In earlier rounds at Roland-Garros, he and Evans captivated fans, and perhaps left some nail-biting, with thrilling victories, notably saving seven match points in a dramatic second-round match against Belgian's Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen that further highlighted their resilience.

However, the quarter-finals proved to be a challenge too far, despite their spirited efforts.

(Image: PA) At 37, Murray leaves behind a legacy that transcends titles. He has broken barriers in British tennis, inspiring countless young athletes with his tenacity and love for the sport.

As he steps away from competitive play, the tennis world will remember him not only for his remarkable achievements but also for his unwavering spirit and commitment to excellence.

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BBC presenter Clare Balding, and her fellow panelists struggled to hold back the tears as the broadcaster displayed a montage of Murray's career highlights after the match concluded. 

Since then, many fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to arguably Scotland's greatest ever sportsman. 

One commented: "An undisputed legend of the sport."

While another emotional Scot wrote: "I'm not crying, you are." 

And a third simply said: "Thank you Andy for the incredible journey."