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5 Defining matches of Andy Murray's career

Andy Murray is expected to retire this season
Andy Murray is expected to retire this season

The last few days have certainly been an emotional roller-coaster for Andy Murray and British tennis.

Last Friday saw the former World No. 1 host a rather sad press conference announcing his retirement plans - a day many hoped would be many years from now.

When you consider the big names of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal who are still at the top of their games after more than a decade of dominance, many had hoped the man from Dunblane would follow in their footsteps.

But at the current age of 31, Murray instead is close to the end of the playing road due to a long battle with his hip. The Briton is finding it difficult just to tie his shoelaces before heading out onto the courts.

This is a man once known for his marathon matches against some of the best, and not letting go of a major title without a fight. But now Murray is in a situation of failing to even win an opening round match; Monday night saw the 31-year-old struggle against Roberto Bautista Agut, an opponent Murray once beat at a Masters final in Shanghai.

The question hovers over Murray about whether he will make his beloved Wimbledon tournament in a way of saying thank you and goodbye to his fans. But whatever happens, it has been one crazy career for Murray.

Here, we take a look at five of his most memorable matches.

#5 Wimbledon 2012 final vs Roger Federer

Tears were shed
Tears were shed

Wimbledon 2012 taught tennis fans many new things about Andy Murray.

In the years building up to Murray's first appearance in a Wimbledon final, many were unsure about his character and personality. And let's not forget his famous press conference from his younger days where he vowed that he would never support England at a FIFA World Cup and would wear an Argentina shirt every time the three lions were in action.

That inspired mixed reactions from people all over Britain - he wasn't exactly the fan favourite.

But then the 2012 Wimbledon final arrived, where Murray would face king of grass, Roger Federer. The Swiss maestro was fighting for a record-equaling 7th Wimbledon title while Murray was still Major-less.

Murray sealed the opening set with the entire country watching. But a cool, calm and collected Federer delayed Murray's wait yet again for that first taste of winning a Major.

Come the post-match speeches and the United Kingdom witnessed a different side to Murray as tears poured down his cheeks.

"Okay I'm going to try this and it's not going to be easy..."

Those were Murray's first words as he found it very hard to accept the defeat, and the crowd at Centre Court felt his pain. This different side to Murray won him many supporters at the end of that cloudy day in London.

Many had different thoughts about Murray after that, and it wouldn't be long until the Scotsman would finally find a name for himself on the list of Grand Slam winners.

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