Andy Murray hints he could RETIRE at 34 after Brit is dumped out of Australian Open by Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel

ANDY MURRAY has hinted he will QUIT professional tennis if his form does not improve.

The 34-year-old was knocked out of the Australian Open following a shock defeat to Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel.

Murray lost in straight sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to Daniel - who is ranked 120th in the world.

After the match, the Brit did not seem too confident when he was asked if he will return to Melbourne Park to compete in future.

He said: "Yeah, I mean, yeah, but not if I do what I did tonight too often this season.

"This is a really important year for me for a number of reasons, and I want to perform well in the big events.

"For me, tonight is not good enough in that respect."

Murray also expressed his disappointment with recent results, saying: "Making the second round of Slams is not something I find particularly motivating.

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"I want to be doing better than that.

"I'm really, really disappointed. Very frustrated.

"Tough loss for me, that's for sure."

He did not hint at what he expects to achieve this year in order to continue playing in future, adding: "It depends on many things. Obviously I'm not seeded and stuff just now.

“If I lose in the second round of a slam to Djokovic in five sets or something, it's a different situation.”

TOUGH TIMES

The last few years have been far from glamorous for the double Olympic champion.

Throughout his three-time Grand Slam winning career he has been plagued with injuries, especially to his hip.

In 2019 he underwent his second hip surgery which kept him out of action for the entire season.

At the time it was a doubt as to whether or not he would ever return to the court, but he made a comeback during the 2020 French Open.

Murray has plummeted down the rankings and is now World no.113.

For now, he plans to return next month to play in Dubai and Doha.