Andy Murray and Dan Evans did the impossible last night, as they completed one of the most enthralling comebacks in recent memory to win their Olympics opening round clash.
Facing Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel of Japan, this marked a really tricky first fixture, and that was only emphasised when they fell into a one-set deficit.
But, never one to write off, Andy Murray and Evans fought back to secure their place in the next round and prolong the former’s career for at least one more match.
Dan Evans and Andy Murray react to Olympics victory
Chatting to BBC Sport immediately after, Murray and Evans were overjoyed with their Olympics win.
And why wouldn’t they be? After all, they had just saved five match points in a match-deciding tiebreaker to defeat Japan and reach the second round of the men’s Olympics doubles.
It was the latter who was called upon first, and he spoke with excitement and eagerness, a smile plastered across his face. Evans claimed: ‘I couldn’t believe that it happened. We just played point for point. When we were down, stick to the game plan, and then got back and a good return from him in the end got us through.’
Murray would then add his own assessment, naturally with a little more cynicism: ‘Maybe at the beginning of the match slightly overthinking it. Then when we were behind at the end of the second set we started going for it a bit more and Evo [Evans] came up with some great stuff. I served slightly better.
‘I served pretty poorly for the first set and a half. We played well at the same time in the important moments which at the beginning of the match I certainly didn’t play well. We’ll need to play better in our next match but I think we will!’
Judy Murray also delivered her thoughts on Andy Murray’s Olympics win, as a vocal supporter of his on X.
Andy Murray deserved that one last moment of euphoria
As they stumbled into a one-set deficit, those in the ground and watching from home likely feared the worst for Murray and Evans.
After all, the latter has hardly enjoyed a sparkling run of form in 2024, whilst the former simply cannot stay fit at the moment.
Few would have fancied their chances of a comeback, let alone in the fashion they did, saving five match points to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
The way in which both Great British Olympians jumped for joy as they won that final point was so good to watch, and upon shaking the hands of their opposition, the hugs and cheers were so heartwarming.
Even if they go out in the next round, Murray deserved this.
His career has been a tough one, where he has had to fight hard to get even an inch during an era dominated by greatness.
So, to get that last little moment of euphoria was more than he had earned. Let’s hope there’s more to come.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
