Drained Andy Murray sits alone on empty Australian Open court…but has job offer from Caroline Wozniacki
The Scottish star bowed out of the tournament today after coming back from two sets down but he may only spend a short spell away from tennis
ANDY MURRAY may be emotional at the prospect of calling time on his tennis career but he won't be short of offers.
After the crocked Scot hinted last week that his chronic hip problem may force his to retire after the Australian Open.
After losing an emotional five-set thriller to Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round, tournament organisers arranged for a touching montage from his fellow tennis stars was played to him on court.
And, among the heartfelt tributes from rivals including Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic, women's World No3 Caroline Wozniacki took the opportunity to offer Murray a coaching job.
The defending Australian Open champion said: "I am really going to miss you on tour, not only as a player but most importantly as a person.
"You're so fun to be around and you always have the best jokes. But I don't want that to get to your head!
The Dane then added: "If you're ever looking for a coaching job, there's one available with my Dad."
Murray, 31, is known to be a proud champion of women's sport and equality and was a leading voice in the campaign for equal prize money in the sport.
He was also the first high-profile male star to appoint a female coach when he worked with Amelie Mauresmo in 2014.
And fellow WTA star Karolina Pliskova touched upon this attribute, saying: "I think you are one of the best players and of course you are supporting women, which for me is the best."
Murray wowed a full-house in the Melbourne Arena as he battled through the pain to recover from two sets and a break down against the Spanish World No24 on Monday.
The two-time Wimbledon champion was clearly limping when he ultimately lost 6-2 in the fifth set after over four hours on court and was given a well-deserved standing ovation at the end.
He later reflected on the surreal night in Australia with a Facebook post.
The three-time Sports Personality of the Year winner said: "What a f***ing night that was.
"Thanks so much to everyone who came out to support tonight.
"It was an incredible atmosphere and I feel very lucky that I got to experience it. Australian Open I love you."
He also took the time to praise his opponent and wished Bautista Agut the very best for the remainder of the tournament.
There were emotional scenes in Melbourne today as Murray played tennis in the only way he knows how to; battling it until the end.
Demonstrating that even he is uncertain about his future, Murray admitted there were two options, he could either take four or five months off in order to play Wimbledon one more time, or have an operation and try and come back to play the sport again.
With three Grand Slam titles, two Olympic golds and a Davis Cup triumph Murray has cemented his position as one of the best players in the world- despite competing in an era with the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
But, we may not have seen the last of him yet.
In a cryptic parting message, Murray address the crowd, he said: "Maybe I'll see you again."
Tributes haven't just poured in from fellow tennis players, a whole host of sport stars have posted tributes to Britain's greatest ever tennis player.