'My hip is killing me' – Andy Murray recalls pre-season training in Miami

After his very emotional press conference at the Australian Open, spoke to a group of British media about the reasons that are leading him to retire from tennis. Murray started seriously thinking about the decision in mid-December during the pre-season in Miami.

After I practised with (Fernando) Verdasco I told my team in the locker room, like This is it, I need to know when this is over I didnt lose the practice heavily. It was something like 7-5, 4-3. My hip was hurting and I was in pain.

As the practice went on, it was getting worse and I was thinking I cant do this. What I am doing this for? I had tears in my eyes and said My hip is killing me. I shouldnt be continuing to go through that for nothing any more

The same sequence was happening as soon as I started to increase my tennis load and play matches, the pain gets worse and my performance drops and I have to take a rest for a few days. It was enough, said Murray.

I had been advised after having the hip operation that things can improve after up to a year to 18 months. I was advised to wait and see how that goes. I went off to Philadelphia this summer and did different rehab. It helped and improved things to a point, but my hip doesnt recover from matches or training any more.

There hasnt been a day when I havent spoken to somebody about my hip in 18 months, its draining. I dont want to stop playing tennis just now, I dont feel ready for this, the rest of my body feels perfect.

Thats the hard thing about it. Its not like I wake up and my whole bodys sore and its too much. Its just one problem that cant be fixed. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal: Worse players than David Ferrer won a Grand Slam title