Andy Murray, who retired from professional tennis at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has turned his attention to golf and is now planning a competitive round with Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice. Murray reached the quarter-finals in men's doubles alongside Dan Evans at the Olympics before losing his final match, after which he famously tweeted: "Never even liked tennis anyway."
Murray's New Focus on Golf
The three-time Major champion has never hidden his ambition to become a scratch golfer since hanging up his racket, and he now spends most of his time on the golf course. His handicap has dropped from 18 two years ago to one, according to Rice, who praised Murray's dedication.
"I saw him yesterday. The rain was coming down, torrential, and he was there putting, grinding. That just shows his mentality," Rice told TNT Sports. "His handicap's gone from like 18 two years ago to one. People that know golf, he puts in serious effort."
Challenge to Declan Rice
Murray has asked Rice what conditions they would need for a competitive round. The 27-year-old England star believes Murray could outdo him, given his near-scratch handicap, and suggested a handicap adjustment.
"You'd have to give me, on my current handicap, seven shots, which I think is perfect because I'm not playing as much as you, and it gives me a chance to have a competitive game with you. Let's sort that out soon," Rice added.
Continued Tennis Involvement
Despite his golf focus, Murray remains involved in tennis. He spent six months coaching Novak Djokovic from December 2024 and now works with British star Jack Draper, a partnership announced over the summer. Injury-prone Draper has played just two matches since June and has already ended his 2026 season, though Murray plans to continue when the 24-year-old is ready to return.
Murray recently returned to the tennis court for the Rafa Nadal Academy Slam, an exhibition tournament celebrating 10 years of the Spaniard's academy in Manacor, Mallorca. Team Nadal, including Carlos Moya, David Ferrer and Richard Gasquet, faced Team Murray, joined by Dominic Thiem, Fabio Fognini and Marat Safin. Nadal's team won in a series of 10-point tiebreaks, and the 22-time Major champion proposed a golf event for the next edition.
"Perhaps next time we can hold a golf event, so you'll have a chance. I know you're practising a lot, quite a bit more than I am, so perhaps the next Nadal Academy Slam can be golf," Nadal joked.
