Andy Murray is back in action at Indian Wells and Miami for the 'Sunshine Double' in March; watch over 80 tournaments a year, including the US Open, exclusively live on Sky Sports Tennis
Wednesday 28 February 2024 16:45, UK
Andy Murray was comfortably beaten by Ugo Humbert in the second round of the Dubai Championships after which he spoke about his future plans.
After producing his best win for several months in the first round by seeing off Denis Shapovalov, the Scot talked about trying to do his best "these last few months", but then hinted he would like to keep going until at least this summer's Olympics.
While Wimbledon appears the most logical venue for Murray to call time on his glittering career, he is tempted by another crack at the Olympics in Paris this summer.
Murray is the only tennis player to have won back-to-back singles gold medals, in London and Rio, so what's next for Murray and when can we expect to see him on Sky Sports Tennis?
The 36-year-old, who is playing with a metal hip, confirmed he is set to retire this summer, saying: "I'm likely not going to play past this summer.
"I get asked about it after every single match that I play, every single tournament that I play. I'm bored of the question, to be honest.
"I'm not going to talk more about that between now and whenever the time comes for me to stop. But, yes, I don't plan on playing much past this summer."
Having now slipped 17 spots to 67th in the ATP live rankings, but given there is a 96-man draw at many of the Masters 1000 events, the Brit will be fine for a direct entry for now and he could seek a spot in the Olympics draw as a previous champion.
All eyes will be on the 'Sunshine Double' with Indian Wells being the first of nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments from March 6-17.
Murray will make his 16th appearance in Tennis Paradise and he will be joined by five-time winner Novak Djokovic, reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz, three-time champion Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev.
Unless three-time Grand Slam-winner Murray is still in the draw by the second week in the desert, he has given himself the added insurance of more hardcourt tennis by entering the Arizona Classic on the ATP Challenger Tour, which runs from March 11-17.
The players then head to the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium - home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins - from March 20-31.
Murray is a two-time champion in Miami having won the title in 2009 (against Djokovic) and 2013 (David Ferrer).
Defending men's champion Medvedev and finalist Sinner return, along with Djokovic and Alcaraz.
Murray gave a firm indication he will play on the dirt following his loss in Dubai although there is the fear it could put too much pressure on his metal hip.
Of his 46 career singles titles, only three have come on clay. Two of those have been Masters, though, with wins in Madrid (2015) and Rome (2016).
He has also been a French Open finalist but lost out in 2016 to Djokovic.
Murray could go and play a series of Challenger events if he skips Madrid and Rome and then there is the possibility of returning to the grass at Surbiton June 2-9 as he begins his preparations for Wimbledon in July.
Murray will return to the home of arguably his greatest memories in the sport when he steps out on the hallowed turf at the All England Club for what will be the last time.
He will arrive on Centre Court in what is bound to be an emotional moment for the 2013 and 2016 champion.
The Brit will then be tempted by another crack at the Olympics in Paris, which could be his final appearance as a professional player.
Sky Sports has confirmed a new home for tennis in the UK and Ireland, with Sky Sports Tennis on Sky and NOW, making tennis content available all day, every day for fans.
Sky Sports will broadcast more live tennis than anywhere else, bringing over 4,000 matches from more than 80 tournaments a year on the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as full coverage of the US Open, all exclusively live.
Non-Sky subscribers can stream live matches with a NOW Sports Day and Month Membership, via Sky Sports Tennis, Sky Sports Arena, and Sky Sports Mix channels.
For further access, fans will also be able to follow their favourite players and gain deeper insights from both Tours via Sky Sports News, the Sky Sports app, on SkySports.com and via Sky Sports social channels.
You can now start receiving messages and alerts for the latest breaking sports news, analysis, in-depth features and videos from our dedicated WhatsApp channel!
Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership - just £21 a month for 12 months. No contract, cancel anytime.
