Johanna Konta has saluted Andy Murray's support for women and women's tennis.

The British No.1 from Eastbourne paid tribute to Murray after he announced his impending retirement.

At a tearful press conference ahead of the Australian Open, the Scot laid bare the effects of the pain in his right hip that has plagued him for more than 18 months.

Murray is hoping to able to go out on home soil at Wimbledon in the summer but conceded Monday's match against Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round in Melbourne could be his last.

The Argus: Konta (above) 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."

World No.38 Konta, who faces home hope Ajla Tomljanovic in the first round of the Australian Open on Tuesday, admitted: "I can't imagine the sport without him to be honest. He has just been there all the time."