Andy Murray told 'don't retire yet' after wowing tennis fans with Rafael Nadal observation

The 36-year-old was hailed by Nadal on Thursday, with the Spaniard praising Murray for everything he's achieved throughout his career - despite playing in a difficult era.

And the Briton has now returned the compliment by lauding Nadal for a shot he won at the Italian Open while playing against Zizou Bergs.

I think the best athletes/players are the quickest thinkers and this is perfect illustration of this. Notice how Rafa gets up from the fall…Sees that the incoming ball is slow enough that he will reach it so takes a split second to wipe his right hand on his thigh in case he… https://t.co/3FKL9ZsVXa

— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) May 9, 2024

Nadal won the point despite falling over.

And Murray said: "I think the best athletes/players are the quickest thinkers and this is perfect illustration of this.

"Notice how Rafa gets up from the fall…Sees that the incoming ball is slow enough that he will reach it so takes a split second to wipe his right hand on his thigh in case he needs it to hit a backhand later in the point."

And tennis fans loved Murray's comments, with many flooding the former world No 1 with messages urging him not to retire.

"You hit the nail on the head Andy," said one user.

"Brilliant observations & analysis. That’s why you’re one of the best returners of the game. Speedy recovery & don’t retire yet."

A second stated: "You're going to make an excellent commentator/analyst/coach one day if that's the route you want to go down!"

A third said: "You're a pretty quick thinker yourself, Andy."

Another stated: "Outstanding athlete, will never be another Rafa. Or Roger or Most importantly there will never be another Andy Murray.

"3 total legends. The legacy you will leave the tennis world, is second to none. Good job hun."

A fifth said: "Wow! You’re an amazing analyst! Noticing all the little points as well as big!"

A sixth opined: "Bravo! Takes a great player to spot how Rafa wiped off his right palm to prepare for a backhand. Wish you the very best @andy_murray!"

And a seventh said: "Andy when you choose to no longer play professionally will you be considering commentating.....when you've done it you've been excellent.....offering insights we don't get from others..."

Unfortunately for fans, both Nadal and Murray are expected to retire from tennis this year.

The pair have suffered numerous injury issues over the years, hampering their chances of winning more majors in the process.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

• Tyson Fury confidence 'has taken a hit' with possible postponement addressed ahead of Oleksandr Usyk fight
• Manchester United 'expect Thomas Tuchel talks to progress this week' after Bayern Munich lose to Real Madrid
• Darts star suffers broken shoulder after brutal attack from football thugs after cup final

Nadal was asked about Murray after his win at the Italian Open on Thursday.

And the veteran admitted he 'didn't like to say' whether the Briton would have won more Grand Slams if it wasn't for his injuries.

"I don't like to say he deserved more or less, because at the end it's just like, if I say I deserve more, if I didn't have injuries," he said.

"No, I don't, because I had the injuries.

"He had a lot of finals. He was an amazing player that probably played in a difficult moment of the history of tennis, because, he shared the tour at the prime time of Novak, Roger and myself.

"And he was, in my feeling, the one that he was at the same level than us, in general terms.

"Then, in terms of victories, it's true that he achieved less, but in terms of level of tennis, in terms of holding mentally, the winning spirit week after week... He was the only one that was very close to, to be at the same level as us."