Tennis news - Best Tweets: 'We love you Andy Murray, Britain's greatest ever sportsman'

Andy Murray has set his sights on retirement, playing just 14 matches since a hip operation last January, and it could be all over within the next week.

The former world number one has battled to recover from a chronic hip condition for more than 18 months, undergoing surgery in Melbourne a year ago, but was forced to admit in a tearful press conference that his efforts have not been enough.

It has led to the inevitable outpouring of emotion on social media, with tennis supporters throughout the world uniting to pay tribute to the two-time Wimbledon champion:

With three Grand Slam titles, two Olympic Gold medals and a Davis Cup success with Great Britain to his name, Murray has earned his place in the pantheon of great British sports stars, and many have now called on the Scot to impart his wisdom on the next generation:

It wasn't long before celebrities and other sporting personalities were adding their own tributes following Murray's emotional press conference:

Murray will contest his first-round match against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut on Monday in the Australian Open but that may prove to be the final match of his illustrious career.

Friday's heartbreaking revelation was not without it's lighter tones, as Murray's more humorous side and feminist streak was also highlighted: