As the tennis world farewelled Andy Murray from the Australian Open, an extremely awkward moment left fans feeling uncomfortable.

When Murray broke down on Friday while announcing this would likely be his final Australian Open appearance – and possibly his final tournament full stop – everyone assumed that was the final call.

But the former World No.1 appeared to throw a spanner in the works on Monday night.

Murray came close to confirming it was his last Australian Open, but told the Melbourne Arena audience he would “maybe” see them again.

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“I’ll do everything possible to try to go again,” Murray told the crowd in his on-court interview.

“I’d have to have a big operation to be able to come back but I’ll give it my best shot.”

Say what?

Murray’s comments left the door wide open that Aussie fans might actually see him back at Melbourne Park.

And some were feeling very uncomfortable moments later when a video tribute from the likes of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic was played on the big screen.

As you can see in the clip below, a host of stars paid tribute to Murray’s career as if this was definitely his farewell, referring to his career in the past tense.

Fans took to social media to express their confusion, unsure whether Murray has confirmed his retirement or not.

He also threw a big ‘if’ into the mix.

“If it was my last match, look, it was a brilliant way to finish,” Murray said.

“I literally gave everything that I had on the court, fought as best as I could. I’d be okay with that being my last match.”

He expanded on his comments in his post-match press conference, admitting he was considering having surgery and playing on.

“I have basically like two options. One is to take the next four-and-a-half months off, then build up, play Wimbledon,” Murray said.

“But having an operation like that, there’s absolutely no guarantees I’d be able to play again.

“That is the decision that I have to make. It will improve my quality of life, I’ll be in less pain doing normal things like walking around and putting your shoes on.”

with AAP