Andy Murray will not have wanted "to be making up the numbers" as he contemplated his future, says his former Davis Cup team-mate Tim Henman.
The three-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one will retire this year because of a hip injury.
And the 31-year-old Scot says next week's Australian Open could be the final tournament of his career.
"It is sad news, but it doesn't detract from what an incredible career he has had," Henman told BBC Sport.
Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Henman, who has been friends with Murray since the Scot was a teenager, was one of many former players and fans offering their best wishes following the announcement in Melbourne on Friday.