Australian tennis hotshot Nick Kyrgios has paid tribute to Andy Murray, as the Scot prepares to bow out of the sport due to injury.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist Andy Murray has revealed his hip problems will force him into early retirement, with this year's Wimbledon where he intends to bow out.

The Dunblane born star has suffered from various serious injuries which have hampered his progress and ability to perform at an elite level in recent years.

And the latest hip injury has caused Murray to admit his time at the top is done, and he refuses to continue if he cannot perform at the level he knows he can.

"I’m going to play. I can still play to a level, not a level I’m happy playing at," he said. "The pain is too much really, it’s not something I want to continue playing that way.

"I tried everything I could to get it right, it hasn’t worked. My plan is kind of middle to end of December in my training block, I spoke to my team and told them I can’t keep doing it.

"I need to have an end point because I’m just playing with no idea of when the pain will stop. Making that decision, I think I can get through to this at Wimbledon, that’s when I’d like to stop playing. I’m also not certain I’m able to do that."

Kyrgios and Murray have had a close relationship throughout their respective careers.

Murray has often offered guidance to the young, often troublesome Aussie. With the news of the 31-year-old's impending exit from tennis, Kyrgios has taken to social media to pay tribute to the Scot.

"Andy, I know you take me for a joker most of the time, but at least hear me out on this one old friend," he wrote on Instagram.

"You will always be someone that impacted the sport in so many different ways, I know this was never the way you wanted to go out, but hey it was a heck of a ride.

"You took me under your wing as soon as I got on tour, and to this day you have been someone I literally just look forward to seeing. You are one crazy tennis player, miles better than me, but I just want you to know that today isn’t only a sad day for you and your team, it’s a sad day for the sport and for everyone you’ve had an impact on.

"Which leaves me big fella.. these are a couple photos, that should make you smile and think, I was actually a little bit of a younger brother to you.

"Anyways, I just want you to know, and I’m sure you already do, everyone wants you to keep fighting and to keep being you. Good luck at the Australian Open muzz, I’ll be behind you. #onelastdance."

Although the current plan is to bow out at his home Slam, the Scot is prepared for the worst, admitting that if the pain is excessive then the upcoming Australian Open could be his final outing.