PA Media/DPA
Paris
Novak Djokovic hailed Andy Murray as a "legend” of tennis, but insisted he does not have any retirement plans of his own as he prepares to compete at Paris 2024.
Murray is set to bid farewell to the sport at Roland Garros after confirming earlier this week that he will retire after the Games.
The 37-year-old’s announcement also marks the beginning of the end for tennis’ "big four” era, which includes the already-retired Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic.
Murray claimed two of his three Grand Slam titles with final victories against Djokovic at the 2012 US Open and at Wimbledon in 2013.
Speaking at a Team Serbia press conference ahead of the Games, Djokovic paid tribute to his "big four” rivals Murray and Nadal.
He said: "I heard the news about Andy and I hope that he will have the best possible farewell in his last competitive match in the Olympics, for him and his country.
"He is a legend of our sport and has been an incredibly important player for tennis globally.
"Nadal of course the same, even more all the results and achievements he has had, particularly at Roland Garros.
"Nadal didn’t say when his last tournament will be, so hopefully for the sake of the sport he can keep going.”
Murray withdraws from singles to focus on doubles
Andy Murray officially has withdrawn from the singles event at the Paris Olympics.
The two-time gold medallist is still not fully recovered from the back surgery he had last month and believes the men’s doubles, where he is playing with Dan Evans,
offers his best chance of another medal.