ANDY Murray has been knocked out of the Olympics men’s doubles quarter finals in what marks the last game of his professional career.

Twenty-one years after his first professional match and 19 since he announced his talent to the world at Wimbledon, Murray’s hopes of winning a medal in Paris evaporated in a 6-2 6-4 loss to Team USA’s Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.

The 37-year-old has broken the mould by winning two Wimbledon titles and a US Open crown as well as starring for his country at the Olympics and in Davis Cup.

Murray and Evans won their first two games dramatically, saving seven match points along the way and marking one of the biggest moments of the games for Team GB. 

After Evans’ final return dropped just long, he and Murray embraced before the Scot took centre stage to chants of ‘Andy, Andy’, waving to all sides of Court Suzanne Lenglen and then leaving the court for the final time.

Murray has been battling his body since the hip problems that nearly ended his career five-and-a-half years ago first incapacitated him in 2017.

Responding to the news, First Minister John Swinney said: “Commiserations to Andy Murray and Dan Evans. They put up such a spirited performance. 

“Thank you Andy for how you have inspired us all. Scotland could not be more proud of you and all you have given us.” 

Tennis Scotland chief executive Blane Dodds said: “Andy Murray has given the whole country so many incredible memories and everyone involved in the tennis community in Scotland wishes him the very best in the next chapter of his life. 

“It was great – but not surprising – to see his trademark fighting spirit on show once again at the Olympics, leaving all his fans around the world with a lasting reminder of his immense talent and will to win. 

READ MORE: Andy Murray’s career highlights as he bows out from professional tennis

“There’s no doubt that Andy has inspired a generation with his excellence on court, extraordinary work ethic and resolve during difficult moments, and his achievements are undoubtedly a big part of the reason more people are playing tennis in Scotland and that club membership numbers are at a record high. 

“His successes have motivated many people to get involved in helping to grow and develop tennis in Scotland, whether that’s within Tennis Scotland or as a coach, official, volunteer or young player. 

“Having the highest ever number of Scots compete at Wimbledon last year was a significant moment and undoubtedly influenced by Andy’s performances and achievements. 

“Whatever Andy decides to do next, we will continue to seek opportunities to work with him to help further develop tennis in Scotland.” 

Chief executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “Andy Murray’s impact on Scottish sport can’t be measured. His dedication, performances and achievements mean he will rightly go down in history as one of Scotland’s greatest ever athletes. I’d like to congratulate Andy on an incredible career and wish him the very best in his retirement. 

“I am confident that tennis in Scotland is in a good place to make the most of the inspiration Andy has given to so many over the years. 

“Active Schools continues to deliver thousands of free tennis sessions every year in schools across the country. Work continues to improve access to tennis courts for future generations, we have supported many new and existing tennis facilities over the last 10 years through our Sports Facilities Fund. 

“Significant investment from the Transforming Scottish Indoor Tennis Fund has led to the opening of the Oriam Indoor Tennis Centre in December and the opening of four indoor courts at Moray Sports Centre in July. 

“We will continue to work with Tennis Scotland, the LTA and other partners to ensure Scottish tennis has a bright future.”