Since his farewell from professional tennis in August 2024, Sir Andy Murray has embraced retirement with unexpected enthusiasm, declaring he feels no longing whatsoever for his former sport.
This marks a striking divergence from former rival Roger Federer's experience, who continues to pine for competitive tennis three years after his own departure from the tour.
The 38-year-old Scotsman recently revealed on The Chipping Forecast podcast: "I thought I was going to miss it a lot because I loved tennis.
"I loved the competition, the training, I enjoyed travelling and playing the events. My body just wasn't able to do it anymore. But since I stopped I haven't really missed it at all."
Sir Andy Murray retired after the 2024 Paris Olympics
|GETTY
Meanwhile, Federer openly acknowledges his ongoing attachment to the sport, recently admitting: "I miss it a bit, honestly, because I have hardly played since I retired."
Murray has transformed his love for tennis into golf, which has satisfied his thirst for competition and training, without the added drawbacks of spending time away from the family.
In contrast to Sir Andy Murray, Roger Federer confirmed he intends to return to tennis for exhibition matches
|GETTY
"I love the competitive side of playing in competitions and that's why I want to try and do that more," he explained.
The three-time Grand Slam winner believes structured competition enhances his performance. "I feel like I play better and concentrate better when it feels like there is something on the line," he noted.
His newfound liberty extends beyond the golf course. Murray spoke to BBC Radio 4 about the unexpected joy of retirement, saying: "Since I've stopped, I feel really free and have got lots of time to do whatever it is I want."
JUST IN: Former Premier League referee David Coote charged with creating indecent video of a child
Sir Andy Murray has transferred his love for tennis into golf
|REUTERS
The father of four particularly values the opportunity to balance family life with his sporting ambitions on his own schedule.
The former world No1 has slashed his golf handicap from seven to two within months of retirement, dedicating himself to the sport with intensity.
His commitment extends beyond casual rounds. Murray has installed a golf simulator at his residence and altered his social media profile to read "I played tennis. I now play golf".
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
The two-time Wimbledon champion has revealed ambitious plans to attempt qualification for golf's most prestigious tournament.
Amateur players with scratch handicaps can enter regional qualifying for the PGA Championship by paying £200, with successful candidates progressing through multiple stages.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
The former world No1 is currently seeking qualification for the PGA Championship
|GETTY
"I would like to do that," Murray stated on The Chipping Forecast podcast, acknowledging that whilst his chances remain slim, the competitive experience would prove valuable.
Federer's yearning for competitive action has prompted concrete plans for his return to tennis courts.
The Swiss disclosed he intends to participate in a celebrity doubles exhibition at the 2025 Shanghai Masters on October 10.
Roger Federer, on the other hand, is eyeing up a return to the court at the 2025 Shanghai Masters
|GETTY
"I would love to play some tennis again. I would like to start playing two/three times a week and hopefully be back on exhibition courts," the 44-year-old revealed recently.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion expressed hopes of performing before packed venues worldwide, though he acknowledged the need for proper preparation.
"I don't have plans at the moment, but I know I need to train for it," he admitted.
This persistent attachment to tennis stands in marked contrast to Murray's complete detachment from the sport that defined both their careers.