Novak Djokovic has sent a classy message to Andy Murray following the British sporting icon’s retirement from tennis. The Serb, who enjoyed a long-running rivalry with Murray, even insisted that he was ‘grateful’ to be part of the moment that saw a Brit win Wimbledon for the first time in 77 years.

Murray has stepped aside from the professional tour after losing alongside Dan Evans in the Olympic doubles. An enthralling run at Paris came to an end as the Team GB duo were defeated by the USA’s Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.

Athletes from all across the sporting community have been paying tribute to the 37-year-old. But one slightly closer to home might mean the most from Murray.

It was Djokovic who the Scottish-born star defeated to win Wimbledon for the first time in 2013, ending a near-eight-decade wait for a Briton to win the tournament.

In a touching message, Djokovic insisted that despite being beaten on Centre Court, he cherished the opportunity to be a part of history.

Djokovic said in a video posted by the ATP: “Andy we were hoping that this moment would never come, but here it is. I just want to say congratulations for an amazing career, multiple Grand Slams, No 1 in the world, two Olympic gold medals, Davis Cup…

“I mean, you’ve done it all. Amazing. Congratulations to you, to your family. We go back a very long time, I think we were 11 when we met the first time on the court.

“We had incredible encounters, rivalries. We played finals of every single Grand Slam. You brought the Wimbledon title to Britain and to the UK after 77 years.

“Unfortunately against me in the final! It was a special and historic moment that I cherish and was really grateful to be part of.

“You can be proud of the incredible resilience and fighting spirit and inspiration that you gave to all of us. After all the hardship that you went through and surgery, restrictions in your movement, you still kept going.

“You still have shown to everyone that there’s no letting go, no giving up, so kudos to you. All the best to you and your family you deserve the best possible farewell. Bye bye, my friend.”

Murray was given one final farewell at Wimbledon earlier this summer, featuring alongside brother Jamie in the doubles. It is unclear what the three-time Grand Slam champion plans to do in future but he has hinted at a coaching role.