Andy Murray sadly announced that he would be leaving the sport that he has given so much for in what has proven to be the most emotional of farewells.A flurry of injuries, most notably to his hip, has somewhat forced the British champion into an untimely premature retirement.The news undoubtedly affected him both emotionally and physically. The latter being more noticeable in his most recent and possibly last match to Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of the Australian Open in Melbourne.Battering through clear physical and mental setbacks throughout the game, his performance and fight was commended despite the loss.Speaking after his defeat, Murray was extremely emotional from the reception he received from the crowd.But it wasn’t just the fans that were able to pay their tributes.Fellow players and rivals were able to pay their respects through a moving video played after his interview.The video features some of Murray’s greatest competitors throughout his career. Rafael Nadal, who can perhaps sympathise with Murray’s injuries more than most, was one of the many tennis superstars to pay his respects.He said: “It is very sad that you have to take the decision. But sometimes life is not perfect. I just want to say thanks for all the things that you have given to our sport.”

Roger Federer also commended the 31-year-old on a glittering career.

“Amazing career. Congratulations buddy. You’ve done Scotland proud, Britain proud and you are a sir. Who else can say that? Hardly anybody. But you did it as a tennis player.”

He continued: “I would just like you to know that I am your biggest fan.”

Also, one of Murray’s best friends on and off the court Nick Kyrgios has perhaps been the most vocal with his tributes, and emitted that Murray will be a long-standing legend of the sport.

“I just want to say that I am very thankful to have shared a friendship with you on the tour. I don’t want to touch base too much on your tennis, we all know that you’re an absolute legend of the sport and you always will be.”

The likes of Novak Djokovic, Caroline Wozniacki, John Isner and Marin Cilic joined in on the tributes that left Murray almost speechless.

They spoke on behalf of everyone in the tennis community in thanking the Scotsman.