Legends from across the sporting world have paid tribute to Andy Murray after he announced his retirement plans.

Murray hopes to keep playing until Wimbledon but admitted he could call it a day after next week's Australian Open.

He has failed to recover from a hip injury despite undergoing surgery last year and revealed he was in constant pain on and off the court.

Former coach Ivan Lendl, who led Murray to all three of his Grand Slam titles, and tennis legend Billie Jean King led the tributes.

Lendl said: "He will leave a measure of true grit that we all can learn from.

"Andy always left it all out on the court and I will look back with great feelings about the years we worked together.

"They were a lot of fun and filled with excitement."

King added: "You are a champion on and off the court. So sorry you cannot retire on your own terms, but remember to look to the future.

"Your greatest impact on the world may be yet to come. Your voice for equality will inspire future generations. Much love to you and your family."

Speaking at an emotionally charged pre-tournament press conference in Melbourne, Murray broke down in tears and covered his face as he revealed the "end point" was nigh.

The 31-year-old reached world number one in 2016, won the Davis Cup for Great Britain and two Olympic gold medals.

He also won Wimbledon twice and the US Open, as well as reaching eight other major finals.

Current players including Juan Martin Del Portro and Nick Kyrgios were amongst those who paid glowing tributes on social media.

World number 21 Grigor Dimitrov said: "For sure he will be missed. He's been a great friend above everything.

"His sense of humour at times is so weird but I enjoy it.

"We just recently had dinner in Brisbane. He's overall a great guy, great competitor, loves the sport, gave so much to the sport and proved that with hard work everything is possible.

"I really wish him the best because it's also a new beginning for the rest of his life. I just hope he can finish at his favourite tournament at Wimbledon."

Legends from other sports, including Scots snooker champion Stephen Hendry, also offered Murray their best wishes.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described him as one of "Scotland's greatest ever sportsmen".

She said: "Andy Murray is a legend - without doubt one of Scotland's greatest ever sportsmen, as well as an outstanding role model and inspiration for young people everywhere.

"A credit to sport and to the country. Sending him very best wishes."

Current British number one Kyle Edmund described Murray as his "biggest role model"

Edmund said: "For me he's been my biggest role model out of any tennis player. He's Britain's greatest tennis player ever and you could say maybe Britain's best sportsman ever.

"To be able to have had the experiences that I've had with him and memories in terms of training with him and getting to know him personally and seeing what he's done on the court and achieved, he's definitely helped my career.

"It's obviously not nice to read that he's going to be retiring at some point but, at the same time, it's a nice way to reflect his career, knowing that he's going to be done, and seeing what he's achieved. It's been amazing."

The prevailing feeling among British tennis players was one of sadness, with Johanna Konta saying: "I can't imagine the sport without him to be honest. He has just been there all the time."

Murray's support for women and the women's game was also appreciated by British number one Konta, who said: "There have been so many examples of when he has stood up for us - not just for women's tennis but women in general.

"He has also been blessed with two daughters and I think he's grown up with a really strong female role model with his mum and now his wife is also a strong character so he is surrounded by great, strong women.

"He has put that through in the way he has voiced his opinions and the way he has tackled some questions and issues that have arisen and I think everybody has always been very appreciative of him."

Blane Dodds, chief executive of Tennis Scotland, said: "The news from Sir Andy Murray's media conference this morning is clearly extremely sad for all fans of Andy and indeed tennis, but most of all for Andy himself.

"The outpouring of love and respect from across the tennis world and beyond only serves as a reminder of his incredible career achievements and the high esteem with which he is held, recognising his immense contribution to the sport as well as to countless causes.

"We must all cherish and enjoy every remaining moment we have with Andy playing the sport he loves, and everyone involved in Tennis Scotland wishes him all the very best in Melbourne.

"Most importantly, we wish Andy and his family a healthy and happy 2019, both on and off the court."