Cameron Norrie excited for post-Andy Murray era as Brit retires at Olympics

Cameron Norrie is looking forward to a series of tear-ups with Jack Draper to be British No.1 in the post-Andy Murray era. In the Paris 2024 men’s single draw, Norrie is almost certain to find reigning French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz lying in wait if he can make it past Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in the first round.

Looking further ahead, he hopes a domestic rivalry with Draper will drive both players further up the ATP rankings, where Norrie is currently No.44.

And after beating Draper – who has climbed to No.26 in the charts – at Wimbledon earlier this month, he believes they are capable of filling the void left by Murray’s retirement.

Norrie, 28, said: “I would love that to happen and it’s definitely possible. I know Jack has an incredibly high level of tennis but we’ve got to get the most out of ourselves to make it happen.

“He has matured so much and I would like to be competing at the highest level of the game against each other.”

Both players will be expected to carry the baton for British men’s tennis after Murray’s retirement. The two-time Wimbledon champion will step away from the professional tour after the Olympics.

Murray, who played his final match at the Championships in a doubles duo with brother Jamie this month, insists that it has not been a difficult decision to retire from tennis. The 37-year-old has battled through fitness and form problems since undergoing hip resurfacing surgery in 2019.

There had been plenty of speculation around when Murray would end his career. He confirmed last week that the Olympics will be his final tournament.

“There’s a number of reasons. One is that physically my body is ready to stop. Mentally, I’m ready to finish playing, and the Olympics is also an event that is really special to me,” Murray told Sky Sports.

“To be honest, right now I don’t feel like it’s difficult [decision to leave tennis]. A few months ago I did, I was worried about it, I was unsure about it. But right now, I’m ready.

“I’m looking forward to what comes next. Being at home with my children and family. Physically I can’t prepare and compete like I used to, and therefore it’s time for me to finish.”