British doubles star Jamie Murray announces retirement from tennis

Jamie Murray has announced his retirement from tennis (Getty Images)

British doubles legend Jamie Murray has retired from tennis at the age of 40.

The Scot became the first British doubles player to reach world No 1 and won seven grand slam titles over the course of a lengthy career.

He wrote on Instagram: “My tennis journey comes to an end after 36 years. I feel very fortunate and privileged for all the amazing experiences this great sport has given me.

“Thanks Mum, Dad, Andy, Ale, Alan, Louis and Thomas for all your incredible support, efforts and sacrifices throughout my career that allowed me to achieve everything I could in the game.

“For everybody else that's helped and supported me - I appreciate all of you! Excited to enter the real world!”

He won two doubles titles including the Davis Cup alongside brother Andy (Getty Images)

Murray won 34 doubles titles in all, including two with younger brother Andy, with their biggest triumph together the 2015 Davis Cup title - the first time Britain had won the tournament in 79 years.

He retires with the most grand slam and ATP Tour doubles titles of any British player in the Open Era.