Quote of the Day: Novak Djokovic tells Murray he'll "pass" on being "lovers" in hilarious career tribute

It’s all love between “rivals, doubles partners, (and) friends” Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. But maybe not too much “love”, says Djokovic, after a hilarious message from the retiring Scot went viral over the weekend.

Tributes have been pouring in for 37-year-old Murray after he confirmed that the Olympics would be his final professional tournament, announcing his retirement from a glittering career that has seen him win two gold medals in singles in addition to three Grand Slam titles, and reach the ATP’s world No. 1 ranking.

Read More: Andy Murray confirms Paris Olympics will be "last ever" tournament before retiring

Djokovic has been a fixture throughout his career too, with the pair having met as juniors and remaining close friends over the years. Both players have a great deal of respect for each other—evidenced by Murray posting a tribute of his own for the Serbian player on Saturday.

Murray shared a few throwback photos from their career meetings, as well as a closely cropped post-match handshake photo from their 2012 Australian Open semifinal that amused fans.

“Rivals, doubles partners, friends and lovers?” Murray wrote in an Instagram caption, directing followers to ‘see slide 3’ and adding a zesty ‘kiss’ emoji. “Thanks for the 25 years of competition (Novak), and good luck for the rest of your career.”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion took to Instagram Stories in response, paying tribute to his friend and rival’s “amazing” and “legendary” career:

ANDY MURRAY: Rivals, doubles partners, friends and lovers? (See slide 3 💋)

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Andy, I loved playing against you, playing doubles together and sharing some great memories as friends.

I will 'pass' on being lover. I hope you understand.

What an amazing career, legendary. Thank you for inspiring all of us players and many people all over the world.

WATCH: Sir Andy Murray to retire from tennis | Unstrung

Murray continues to inspire on the Olympics stage, prolonging his farewell after saving multiple match points in men’s doubles partnered with Daniel Evans. The Brits defeated Japan’s Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel 2-6, 7-6 (5), 11-9 on Sunday.

Djokovic, on the other hand, overcame a different but no less familiar tennis rival on Monday, after routing 14-time Roland Garros winner Rafael Nadal 6-1, 6-4 in the second round.

Read More: Andy Murray plays on—after he and Dan Evans save five match points at Olympic Games

With Murray set to retire at the end of the week and Nadal closing in on his own farewell from the sport, the match between Djokovic and Nadal was seen by many as the “last dance” for the Big 4 era, with Roger Federer already having hung up his racquets in 2022.

“I think we will eventually appreciate this match very much,” Djokovic reflected during an on-court interview.  “(Not just) for our rivalry, but also for the sport itself and the Olympics itself as well. I think there was a lot of attention and interest directed from the sports (world) toward our match and the tennis court, and of course that benefits all of us.”