BBC Olympics viewers witnessed the end of an era on Thursday night as Andy Murray’s tennis career officially ended.
Murray’s final game ended with American duo Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz as he lost the game alongside Dan Evans in their men’s doubles quarter-final.
Despite his incredible career ending on a sad note, he was met with rapturous applause from the crowds as he bid farewell to the spectators.
The BBC aired a special montage with the highlights of the 37-year-old’s long-term tennis career, and when the cameras cut back to Balding, 53 and Rebecca Adlington, 35, the presenter was unable to speak.
“It is never over until it’s over,” she commented as Murray signed autographs before adding: “And now, sadly, in terms of his professional playing career, that is it – it is now over.”
Turning to look at the cameras, she emotionally added: “And all we can say is thank you. Thank you.”
The match marked Andy Murray’s final professional game
BBC
After a pause, Balding choked up as she told Adlington: “You better say something.”
“Don’t, you’re going to make me cry!” the former swimmer replied. Fellow swimming champion Mark Foster took over the conversation while Balding wiped away tears.
It didn’t take long for the broadcaster’s emotion to pass onto fans at home, and plenty took to social media to say the moment had left them “in bits”.
Taking to X, one penned: “Clare Balding getting emotional over the end of Andy Murray career is so beautiful, and sums up the sense of the nation.”
Clare Balding couldn’t hold back tears during the emotional Olympics moment
BBC
“Well done Andy, thanks for all the moments of joy,” a second commented.
“We’re all @clarebalding tonight. #sirandymurray #Olympic2024 @TeamGBEllesseMFC@SylvesterL87901,” a third added.
“@clarebalding What you doing to me Clare? Was just holding it together and then you started me off too,” someone else confessed.
Another wrote: “Clare Balding crying at Andy Murray has really got my hayfever going wild #Olympics.”
Clare Balding became tearful over Andy Murray’s career-end
BBC
“@clarebalding has nearly got me crying too. Well done Andy for all you’ve given to Tennis,” someone else shared.
Another fan commented: “Got to love @clarebalding for showing her emotions when talking about @andy_murray #Olympics #ParisOlympics2024 #AndyMurray.”
“Me & @clarebalding are in bits #OlympicGames #tennis @andy_murray,” (sic) another admitted.
