'Thank you' - BBC presenter Clare Balding tears up live on TV as she pays tribute to Andy Murray following retirement

BBC presenter Clare Balding could not help but break into tears after Andy Murray retired from tennis at the Paris Olympics.

Murray's tennis career is over after defeat to American duo Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul in the men's doubles at the Paris Games this summer.

3 Murray has waved goodbye to tennis for good after defeat at the Paris Olympics

Alongside fellow Brit Dan Evans, the two lost in straight sets 6-2 6-4 but they did not go down without a fight while Murray had already said that no matter what, the Olympics would be his final time on court.

It has ended without a medal but there is no doubting Murray's impact on tennis in the United Kingdom while for many who watched on, there were emotional scenes.

talkSPORT debate who is the greatest British sports star of all time

And that included in the BBC studio, where Balding could not help but choke up live on TV as she paid tribute to the two-time Wimbledon winner.

In a touching tribute, Balding said: "And that is why he so desperately wanted to be here, to make it to Paris.

"He wasn't fit enough to play singles but he said, 'I'll play doubles, I'll play with Dan Evans'.

"And, my word, hasn't he shown us in the three matches that he has played here everything that he is about.

"It is never over, until it is over and now sadly, in terms of his professional playing career, that is it. It is now over and all we can say is thank you, thank you."

There came a small silence as her words took effect with studio guests Mark Foster and Rebecca Adlington sitting quietly.

Balding broke the silence, but could not quite manage the words: "You better say something."

As her voice cracked, Adlington offered her sympathies and said: "You're going to make me cry!"

3 Balding had wet eyes after paying a beautiful tribute to Murray live on air Credit: BBC

3 Balding has presented the coverage at Wimbledon for the BBC since 2023

Murray had already bid farewell to Wimbledon earlier this summer when he partnered brother Jamie in the men's doubles.

Centre Court was packed out with celebrities and fans galore to watch Murray in action as he wept when Sue Barker read out a heart-rendering tribute.

But the Olympics will always hold a special place in Murray's heart after his breakthrough year in 2012 when he won gold in London in the men's singles and silver in the mixed doubles.

"I think you better say something." 😭

Clare Balding paid an emotional tribute to Andy Murray after he played the final match of his career ❤

#Olympics #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/IkWwJoylpW — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 1, 2024

He went on to win the US Open later that year, lifting his first major of his career before claiming victory at Wimbledon the following year.

The next Olympics in Rio would harbour another successful year for the Scot, winning gold again in the men's doubles as well as Wimbledon for the second time.

It remains to be seen what Murray's plans are post-retirement but the emotional scenes at Roland Garros on Thursday will never be forgotten by those who were there.

Click here to read article