Andy Murray retirement: Sluiter makes Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic claim
RAEMON SLUITER has claimed Andy Murray was the ‘purest’ out of the current tennis golden generation.
The Scot was forced to confirm before the Australian Open his plans to retire from the sport after Wimbledon.
"I'm not sure I'm able to play through the pain for another four or five months," said the 31-year-old.
"I want to get to Wimbledon and stop but I'm not certain I can do that."
Former World No 46 Raemon Sluiter, who played against Murray a number on times throughout his career expressed his sadness at the news.
“I wasn't surprised, but it hit me hard', he told Eurosport Netherlands.
The Dutchman then made a huge claim when comparing the star to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
“Nothing against Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, but Murray to me is the purest of them all,” he added.
“With Andy, what you see is what you get.
“Whereas the other three, all great guys, are very aware of their surroundings at all times, Murray is himself in every moment.
“Also, he played a great role in women's tennis. He's just an incredible guy.
“People would tell me he is whining all the time and yelling at his box.”
Former World No 1 Andre Agassi has paid tribute to Murray, claiming he was ‘every bit’ up to the level of three of the sport’s greats.
"He was the person that broke into the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic trio in their prime,” Agassi told Tennis World USA.
"He showed that he can play every bit up on their level.
“If Andy was in my generation he would have had probably three times the career.
“Those guys haven't left much for others but Andy went in there and took it. I only have respect for him.”