The soon-to-be retired Andy Murray was praised for the fight he showed in his Australian Open first-round exit to Roberto Bautista Agut.
However, he endured an awkward moment afterwards when tournament organisers rolled out a farewell video just seconds after he said: "If today was my last match, it was a brilliant way to finish."
And then he suggested: "Maybe I'll see you again."
— judy murray (@JudyMurray) January 14, 2019
The Scot staged a gutsy fightback in losing 6-4 6-4 6-7 (5) 6-7 (4) 6-2 and first in with the congratulations was his mum Judy, who tweeted "So proud" along with a picture of her son depicted as William Wallace.
Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli was full of appreciation for Murray's display and career.
"How is it possible not to cry watching this! The atmosphere was unreal to support Andy Murray. As an incredible #champion he is, he gave his absolute all ! U will remain an EXAMPLE FOREVER #AndyMurray, for your immense courage and endless other qualities," she tweeted.
How is it possible not to cry watching this! The atmosphere was unreal to support @andy_murrayAs an incredible #champion he is, he gaves his absolute all ! U will remain an EXAMPLE FOREVER #AndyMurray , for your immense courage and endless other qualities #AusOpen #Murray https://t.co/rDE0tODlKK — Marion bartoli (@bartoli_marion) January 14, 2019 Lovely tributes from the players for @andy_murray and his brilliant career after today's match. Perfect way to finish his last @AustralianOpen. I definitely think from today's performance we will be able to see Andy retire on his own terms @Wimbledon. — Greg Rusedski (@GregRusedski1) January 14, 2019
Former British player Greg Rusedski tweeted: "Perfect way to finish his last @AustralianOpen. I definitely think from today's performance we will be able to see Andy retire on his own terms @Wimbledon."
And the support crossed sports with Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique tweeting "Andy Murray...wow! Legend" and Real Madrid's Toni Kroos writing "Huge respect to Andy Murray".
Tournament organisers had arranged their own send-off and despite Murray hinting at a return to Melbourne, they went ahead with the pre-planned farewell messages from the likes of Rafael Nadal, Caroline Wozniacki and Novak Djokovic.
An amazing tennis player. But an even better person. Thank you, @andy_murray 👏#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/uRPBLC2zY6 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2019
It did not go down well with some observers on social media.
Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan was incredulous.
"Good to see the rest of the Tennis world has retired Andy Murray off before he announces it himself ... That was very very bizarre ... Surely you wait for the player to announce his retirement before doing a player montage," he tweeted.
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