Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has announced his impending retirement from tennis - and some of the WTA Tour's biggest stars were quick to praise the long-time vocal supporter of equality in the sport.

MELBOURNE, Australia - Former ATP World No.1 and two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray announced earlier today that he will retire from tennis this season due to worsening pain in his right hip.

The Briton, who triumphed at The Championships in 2013 and 2016 as well as the 2012 US Open, has been a vocal supporter of the WTA Tour and its players throughout his career, whether tweeting about the nascent talent of a teenage Caroline Garcia, rhapsodising over Agnieszka Radwanska's crafty game or ensuring that Serena Williams received due recognition for her legendary accomplishments from broadcasters. It's no surprise, then, that past and present WTA stars lined up on social media to pay tribute to a player appropriately dubbed "the realest" by Victoria Azarenka.

.@andy_murray 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 & your family. https://t.co/AQUOP3LGec — Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 11, 2019

Leading compatriots Johanna Konta and Heather Watson also spoke to the press about Murray's impact both as a player and a person. British No.1 Konta 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... Everybody has always been very appreciative of him and how he has stood up for the women’s side of the game."

Konta also discussed how she had been inspired by the 31-year-old as an athlete. "I feel like he really maximised everything that he has and left no stone unturned to bring the best out of himself," she said. "Not many athletes and people can say that they did that in their career and profession... and that's something as an athlete to look up to. It makes me quite emotional because that's a beautiful thing."

British No.2 Watson also pinpointed what an anomaly Murray had been in terms of using his platform to speak up for equality. "Boys are going to fight for boys because that's the field they're in, girls will fight for girls - so to have a guy fighting for women's rights is pretty cool," she said.

"I'm just grateful that I've been able to get to know him, share the court with him in the Hopman Cup a couple of times and at the Olympics. He's an awesome person."

Thank you for being such an inspiration @andy_murray 🙏



Your hard work and perseverance taught me so much.



Hopefully you get to retire on our favourite court @wimbledon.



We will all be cheering for you these next few months 👏 pic.twitter.com/EyYy2z71Ii — Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) January 11, 2019

A male leadership voice that stands out and is outstanding during a challenging time for gender issues. Andy was able to reach #1 during the Federer Nadal Djokovic era making it the era of the big 4. My family is sending Andy all the love and support from Los Angeles. @JudyMurray — Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) January 11, 2019

Oh no!!!! This is sad for our sport- and most of all for Andy- love Andy!!! https://t.co/Z4SiZnEIU0 — Martina Navratilova (@Martina) January 11, 2019

So sad to hear this 😥. A true champion. https://t.co/TSWoUI2vhR — Sloane Stephens (@SloaneStephens) January 11, 2019

I am saddened by this news, @andy_murray. You are a true champion and a great sportsman. https://t.co/1k365k1oUf — Roberta Vinci (@roberta_vinci) January 11, 2019

Andrea Petkovic on Andy Murray. #AusOpen



"He was always my favorite, and I think it will be a huge loss for tennis in general, but also for the WTA. Because even nowadays, when you think everything is equal, you still need men, especially successful men, to speak up for women." — Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 11, 2019

You were my biggest idol growing up and now I’m lucky enough to call you my mentor @andy_murray thank you for showing me what it means to never give up.. 💙 — Katie Swan (@Katieswan99) January 11, 2019

😢 Heartbroken 💔

A true Champion, and Idol, a Rolemodel & an Unbelivably Amazing Human Being .

Keep Fighting @andy_murray 🙌🏻 https://t.co/hh43MPSBhO — Timea Bacsinszky (@TimeaOfficial) January 11, 2019

My heart breaks listening to @andy_murray during his press conference... Hope he will make it through to Wimbledon and have the farewell he deserves . #greatguy — Kim Clijsters (@Clijsterskim) January 11, 2019

Devastated for @andy_murray this morning. His passion for the sport is extraordinary which makes it all the more difficult. I feel privileged to have been a part of @BritishTennis with him leading the way. He will continue to inspire — Naomi Cavaday (@naomicavaday) January 11, 2019

I've never known anyone be so far away from a ball when it bounces, somehow get there and come up with a winner. How many times did his opponents mentally fist pump winning the point to find the ball came back? @andy_murray #wheels — Naomi Cavaday (@naomicavaday) January 11, 2019

Don't know what to add after all the beautiful tributes I've read all day, so just ❤❤❤ and thank you @andy_murray 🙏 #wontbethesamewithoutyou — Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) January 11, 2019

Sam Stosur on Andy Murray:



"He's been a fantastic player, champion. I mean, he's been a massive advocate for women's tennis and women's sport in general. I know in the locker room whenever we hear him kinda stick up for us, we're like, 'Yeah, go Andy!"



(h/t @tennismash) pic.twitter.com/WHVPNOHMlh — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 11, 2019

Just heard about @andymurray press conference and my heart breaks to hear that.Truly inspiration for everyone,role model for boys and girls,fighter in every aspects,who was always standing in our corner.Really hope he will make it through to Wimbledon.Keep strong Andy. — Elena Vesnina (@EVesnina001) January 11, 2019

Andy,

Listening to your @australianopen press conference was so emotional. I truly wish you can finish your career on the center court of @wimbledon , I will pray God for that 🙏 that he gives you the strength to make it happen... (1/2) pic.twitter.com/6kTzLqZpO6 — Marion bartoli (@bartoli_marion) January 11, 2019

(2/2) . But even if you don't, don't be sad, life will have amazing new chapters for you

Wishing you all the best

Love

Marion@andy_murray #Andy Murray #AusOpen #Wimbledon #Tennis pic.twitter.com/LRdognE3fr — Marion bartoli (@bartoli_marion) January 11, 2019