‘That makes me want to cry’ - Dylan Alcott reveals amazing Andy Murray message after losing Australian Open final

Dylan Alcott has revealed a message sent to him by Andy Murray following his defeat in the Australian Open final, calling it “special” and a sign of how far wheelchair tennis has come in recent years. Alcott lost 7-5, 6-0 to Sam Schroeder in the wheelchair quad singles final, missing out on an eighth consecutive Australian Open title in the last match of his career.

Alcott, a disability advocate and Paralympic gold medalist as well as a seven-time Australian Open champion, was named Australian of the Year earlier this week having announced his intention to retire back in November. Ad/> The 31-year-old was given a standing ovation on Rod Laver Arena ahead of facing Schroeder and was roared on by the home crowd but, despite a tight first set, he was unable to keep pace with his opponent.

Australian Open‘He's still making big strides’ — Henman tipping Murray for deep run at Wimbledon24/01/2022 AT 20:00 Fighting back tears following the match, he said: “To the Australian Open I love you so much… thank you so much for changing my life but also backing someone who is disabled to be the front of your brand. “You changed my life but, judging by that award I got a couple of days ago, maybe helped change some other lives as well.” Speaking in his post-match press conference, Alcott shared some words of support sent to him by Murray.

“This just sums up how much it’s changed,” he said. “I hope he doesn’t mind this, but Andy Murray just messaged me.