Andy Murray tears up as Sue Barker makes Wimbledon return after emotional doubles defeat with brother Jamie

SIR ANDY MURRAY wiped away the tears as Centre Court fans and tennis legends paid an emotionally-charged tribute to his illustrious career.

In his swansong year at Wimbledon, after possibly his penultimate match here, the Scotsman received a standing ovation and Oscar-style parade to mark his sporting achievements.

ReutersAndy Murray was given a hero’s send-off by Centre Court[/caption]

RexSue Barker led the ceremony as she made a wonderful comeback[/caption]

PAMurray broke down in tears as he discussed his journey with his family and injuries[/caption]

BBCWife Kim struggled to hold them back while watching the tribute montage[/caption]

PAMum Judy watched on proudly[/caption]

PAJamie and Andy lost the match but that made way for an emotional ceremony[/caption]

Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal all featured in a special tribute video that was aired to millions.

And National Treasure Sue Barker, the former BBC TV tennis anchor, made a special return to interview him on court like the good old days.

The result was not what he wanted with brother Jamie – they lost 7-6 6-4 to Australians Rinky Hijikata and John Peers.

But the scenes afterwards were wonderful, a lovely chance for an adoring British nation to say thank you for everything he did.

Memories of his first victory in 2013 were recalled as well as his Olympic gold success the year earlier.

Father-of-four Murray said thank you to his family, including wife Kim, mum Judy and dad Willie.

In a series of anecdotes, he admitted VOMITED in a taxi on the way home from his 2016 Wimbledon triumph – his second success in south-west London – and was SICK after his first date with Kim.

Murray, speaking just 13 days after spinal surgery, said: “Thank you to my team for their support. The last few years have been hard for me but also hard for them.

“It’s been hard for all of us, the injuries have been tough, quite significant injuries, too.

“We have worked extremely hard to be on the court, probably not at the level we have wanted. But we tried.

“The kids have been waking me and my wife up at 5am for the last eight years.  And they will continue doing that. They wanted piggybacks the day after my back surgery. 

“They have been amazing and I really look forward to spending more time at home with them.

“Mum and dad have been an amazing support, allowing Jamie and I to go and pursue our dreams.

“Me and Kim first met when I was 18. She watched her first match live at the US Open.

“I vomited twice in that match. Once right in front of where she was, and then into my opponent’s racquet bag. Yet she still liked me. I knew she was a keeper after that.

“She has been an amazing, amazing support to me, my whole family. She’s the best mum.
“Unfortunately in a couple of months, she will have to see me every day. 

“Things might be rocky but hopefully we can stick it out and look forward to the rest of our lives together ”

Murray is set to play mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu tomorrow (Saturday) — if they lose that it really is the end – and then it is off to the Paris Olympics for his last event.
Yet the man with the metal hip is not shy in admitting that he really wants to carry on – and it is his body that is stopping him from doing so.

The former world No.1 said: “It’s hard because I’d love to play but I can’t. 

“Physically, it’s too tough now, all of the injuries, they have added up, they have not been insignificant.

“I want to play forever, I love the sport, it has given me so much, taught me loads of lessons over the years. I don’t want to stop. So, it’s hard.”

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BBCJamie remained seated to let his brother take centre stage[/caption]

BBCJohn McEnroe was among the tennis legends on court for the ceremony[/caption]

RexNovak Djokovic and Martina Navratilova were also in attendance[/caption]

GettyMurray and Barker watched the video which featured a contribution from Roger Federer[/caption]

GettyThe brothers embraced after the interview[/caption]

ReutersMurray waved goodbye to the adoring British crowd[/caption]

GettyMurray bowed out of the Wimbledon doubles with Jamie[/caption]

GettyThe younger brother only had back surgery 12 days ago[/caption]

RexMurray’s family were in his box to cheer on the siblings[/caption]

PAMurray took a tumble in the first set[/caption]

GettyHe was pumped up, especially as they got the early break in the second[/caption]