The two-time Olympic medalist Andy Murray is playing his final career matches at the Paris Olympics.
It was an Andy Murray fightback of old as dusk creeped in on Court Suzanne Lenglen on Sunday.
Murray’s partner Dan Evans seemingly has the weight of all British hopes resting on his shoulders, with him the man who will partner the three-time major winner whenever his final match eventually arrives.
The pair pulled off a remarkable recovery from five match points down in the first round of the Olympic men’s doubles, eventually defeating Japan’s Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel 2-6, 7-6 (5), 11-9.
The Brits looked slightly disjointed as they succumbed to the first set, with the slightly dysfunctional pair later trailing 2-4 in the second.
After edging through in a tense second set tie-break, Murray’s career looked all but done when the pair went five match points down at 4-9 in the ten-point decider.
Miraculous scenes arrived just when the Brits needed them too, as the pair reeled off seven straight points, with some notable Evans heroics, to somehow find the win.
What did Andy Murray write on the camera after the Olympic opening victory?
The scenes after securing match point were joyous, with the pair jumping around, laughing together and looking at their team in total disbelief.
With the 37-year-old still just about clinging on after injuries saw him withdraw from the singles at Wimbledon and also the Olympics, he wrote a funny six-word message on the camera lens.
Murray wrote: “Life in the old dog yet!” with a smiley face attached.
The Brits are through to the last 16, where they will face either Belgian pair Sander Gille and Joran Vilegen or French eighth seeds Arthur Fils and Ugo Humbert.
With the doubles competition historically rather open, with singles specialists Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Stan Wawrinka all having previously secured gold, the Brits will fancy delaying Murray’s retirement for a little longer.
Is Andy Murray the best male Olympics player ever?
Murray’s Olympic career has been nothing short of outstanding, with the Team GB legend securing two consecutive gold medals in singles at the 2012 London games and in Rio de Janeiro four years later, making him the only player in history to achieve this feat.
With the Brit also having scooped up a silver medal in mixed doubles in London, his record at the games is far superior to the ‘Big Three’.
Both his final victories highlighted his exceptional skill and resilience, particularly under the unique pressures of the Olympic Games.
His repeated successes have only further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest British tennis players, and he will most likely continue to top the charts whatever happens in Paris.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
