Andy Murray thanks fans and fellow players for their outpouring support after tearful announcement

Andy Murray hinted he could retire at the Australian Open. Credit: AP

Andy Murray has thanked fans and fellow players for their outpouring support, after admitting earlier there is a "chance" he could retire after next week's Australian Open.

The former world number one shared a photograph showing him with his mother, Judy, in an Instagram post.

"Best way to feel better after a tough day is a big cuddle from your mum," he said.

Murray added: "Genuinely been very touched by all of the messages and support from everybody today... It means a lot and has made me feel much more positive than when I woke this morning. Thank you so much."

Earlier on Friday, he broke down in tears when asked whether the grand slam could be his last tournament following a 20-month battle with a hip injury.

The 31-year-old Scot told journalists he hoped to play at Wimbledon later this year, but the pain in his hip was making it difficult to cope.

In an emotional news conference on Friday, the three-time grand slam winner had to leave the room once and needed to pause several times as he struggled to overcome his emotion.

"I can still play to a level - not a level I'm happy playing at," he said. "But also, it's not just that. The pain is too much really.

"I don't want to continue playing that way. I tried pretty much everything that I could to get it right but that hasn't worked."

Murray is set to play against Spanish Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of the Australian Open.

He said he was "not feeling good" and admitted he had been "struggling for a long time".

Asked if the Australia Open may be his last tournament, Murray broke down in tears before saying there was a "chance" that may be the case.

Murray has been struggling to play through the pain in his hip. Credit: AP

"I spoke to my team and I told them I can't keep doing this, that I needed to have an end point because (I was) sort of playing with no idea when the pain was going to stop," he said.

"I said to my team 'I think I can get through to Wimbledon' ... that's where I would like to stop playing."

He added: "But I'm also not certain I'm able to do that.

"I'm not sure I'm able to play through the pain for another four of five months."