On November 20, 2016, Andy Murray stood under the brightest of spotlights at the O2 Arena, trophy in hand with ticker tape raining down on him from above. He was, at that time, undoubtedly the best player on the planet.

A remarkable run through to the end of the season had resulted in him claiming a maiden ATP World Tour Finals title while completing an ascent to top spot in the world rankings. He was very much number one, with a memorable calendar year having delivered runs to finals at the Australian and French Opens, a second Wimbledon crown and back-to-back Olympic gold medals.

Murray knew better than anybody that he was about to tumble from the loftiest of perches, with a long and often painful road taken in from there. A refusal to throw in the towel is to be admired, with bet on tennis markets pricing him at 66/1 for US Open glory in 2022.

He may no longer figure prominently in tennis tips, but his competitive spirit burns as bright as ever and there is a determination on his part to enjoy however many months or years he has left at the highest level. The affable Scot has said: “The most important lesson that tennis has taught me is that you have to enjoy the good times, because everything can end at any moment.”

Murray has scaled the highest of highs and understandably finds it difficult to walk away from a profession that has made him a three-time Grand Slam winner and a Knight of the Realm. Success, though, can come in many forms.

A New Chapter

With the day when a competitive racket has to be put down not all that far away, attention has understandably turned towards what happens next. Having worked hard for all that he has achieved, Murray needs never work a day again in his life.

If he does want to remain involved in sport, he could take the easy route and move into punditry. Plenty would be interested in hearing what he has to say and his famously dry humour should transfer well from court to screen.

Coaching, though, would appear to hold the most appeal at present. Many former champions have transitioned from player to mentor down the years, with there a wealth of knowledge and experience to be passed on.

Murray has said of his future plans: “When my career ends, I would like to be a manager because I believe I have had many experiences that I could pass on to the players.”

He has thrown a few names out there that he would like to work with, and all of those currently find themselves competing at the business end of prestigious tournaments. Murray does not want to start at the bottom, he is looking to maximise potential in those who already boast plenty of pedigree.

With that in mind, we may not have seen the last of a modern-day great on the final days in Melbourne, Paris, London and New York. It may not be him getting his hands on the silverware, but there could be more major triumphs to be added to a distinguished roll of honour in a different capacity to the one he currently enjoys.