Andy Murray referenced fellow tennis star Emma Raducanu as he discussed his plans for retirement.

The 34-year-old Murray is in the latter stages of an illustrious career, which has included three Grand Slam titles.

He has struggled to play at his best in recent years, largely due to hip surgeries in 2018 and 2019.

Retirement may not be imminent but it will surely come sooner rather than later, and Murray has revealed that he has plans for his post-playing career.

In an interview with Moselle Open, the star disclosed that he wanted to help to bring through the next crop of professional British players.

He emphasised the need to increase the number of young girls playing tennis, and named Raducanu as a potential source of inspiration.

“My mum [coach Judy Murray] is doing a lot of work actually, and working with grassroots tennis, and especially trying to get a lot of young girls playing tennis,” he said.

“It’s been difficult. Hopefully with Emma Raducanu’s success and stuff, that will get more younger people into the sport.”

Raducanu earned an improbable victory at the US Open in September, becoming the first ever qualifier, male or female, to earn a Grand Slam title.

She won 10 games in a row without dropping a set, and became the first female British tennis player to claim a major since Virginia Wade in 1977.

Raducanu’s achievement captured the attention of the nation, and the 19-year-old was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 18: Emma Raducanu of Great Britain plays a forehand in her first round singles match against Sloane Stephens of United States during day 2 of the 2022 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 18, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

She may be an inspiration to young girls in Britain, but Murray explained how it was also about ensuring there was a high retention rate for women in tennis.

“It is not just about getting them to start playing, you need to keep them in the sport for longer,” he said. “That I think is also a challenge.

“But yeah look, tennis is a sport that has given me so much and I dedicate a lot of my time just now to my tennis and my family.

“But obviously at some stage when I stop playing I will definitely look to give back to the sport in the UK because it’s given me a lot. It is a sport that I love so when I finish playing I’ll definitely look to do more.”

Both Murray and Raducanu will be competing at Indian Wells in California, with the tournament set to get underway this week.