Here’s The Text Message From Andy Murray That Made Dylan Alcott Cry In His Final Aus Open Speech
“That kills me. Makes me want to cry. Special. Like you’re just apart of it…they don’t even care you’re in a wheelchair.”
Tennis legend, Australian of the Year and all-round great guy Dylan Alcott has officially retired from the sport after playing his final Australian Open match on Thursday night. And although he sadly didn’t end his career on a win, his final press conference was one to remember.
Alcott — 31 — lost to rival Sam Schroder in straight sets 7-5 6-0 in Melbourne on Thursday night, sadly ending his attempt at finishing his career off with an Australian Open victory.
In the press conference, Alcott explained how he knew it was time to retire from the sport — which is one of many things this busy man does with his life — because “the wins mean less and the losses don’t hurt as much.”
But despite being in relatively high spirits after his loss, Alcott was brought to tears mid-interview after reading a text from British tennis legend Andy Murray.
Throughout his speech, Alcott had spoken about how much wheelchair tennis had changed since the start of his career — where only five people, including his family, were in attendance at his first match.
“This just sums up how it’s changed,” he said after reading the text mid interview. “I hope he doesn’t mind this but Andy Murray just messaged me: ‘I don’t know if I’ve articulated that well but you’re an absolute rock star and inspiration. Thanks for everything that you’ve done.’ That kills me. Makes me want to cry. Special. Like you’re just a part of it…they don’t even care you’re in a wheelchair,” Alcott said, now crying.
In what has — understandably — been a huge week for Alcott, who was crowned Australian of the Year on Tuesday, he reflected on how far he — and inclusivity in the sport — has come in recent years.
“They don’t give a shit. Sorry to swear. It’s special. So nice. It’s like that everywhere. I never thought that would happen, like it’s cool. It’s really cool. That’s better than winning a tennis tournament. There’s a legend of the sport getting around wheelchair tennis…If it’s good enough for someone like that, it’s good enough for everyone. Sorry I didn’t mean to cry.”
.@DylanAlcott read out a touching message from @andy_murray in his post-match press conference, saying it shows just how far wheelchair tennis has come 🥺💕#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/VvIlnCGzgi
— 💙 (@drivevolleys) January 27, 2022
Alcott — who also represented Australia in the Paralympic basketball team — confirmed he is officially done with playing professional sport, but noted he would love to break down barriers in other areas like acting or politics.
“Why couldn’t the Prime Minister be in a wheelchair or have any disability? I’m dead serious. Physical or non-physical. Parliament’s not accessible? Build ramps. Just do it,” he said.
After being the face of wheelchair tennis — and disability in Australian sport — throughout most of his career, Alcott noted the importance of him taking a back seat and allowing somebody else to take the reigns.
“I’m officially a retired washed up loser and I love it. I am redundant as. Don’t need me, I’m done. Time for someone else to take the reins and it’s hard for someone to take the reins when everyone is talking about one person. It’s just how it is,” he said.
Despite Alcott’s retirement, he won’t be retiring from the public eye — at least not for the next year while he completes his tenure of Australian of the Year.