Andy Murray as flag bearer in 2016
(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Andy Murray, due to retire this summer, is looking to medal in the doubles with Dan Evans at the Olympics in Paris this month.
It’s a massive deal being in the Olympics. It’s been a huge part of his life. Back in Rio in 2016, he was the flag-bearer for Team GB. He’s very proud of that. Leon Smith
Two-time Wimbledon champion was denied taking part in the mixed doubles by partner Emma Raducanu withdrawing from the event with a wrist problem in what is his farewell appearance at The Championships.
But Murray, 37, who played men’s doubles after withdrawing from singles, is now looking to add to his medal haul of three (two golds and a silver) in the French capital at what is expected to be his final tournament.
That is in the opinion of Leon Smith, Murray’s Davis Cup captain and former coach, who also confirmed the ex-world No.1 will play singles.
Murray played London SW19 just ten days after a back operation to remove a cyst on the spine.
Smith said: “He’s desperate to play (the Olympics). Rightly so. He’ll think that if he prepares well for this he could medal in it. And he’s realistic as well. More likely to medal in doubles than singles.
“He’s got a few weeks for the back procedure to properly heal. To rest and prepare for a change of surface. Obviously, it’s not going to be easy switching to the clay courts at Roland Garros.”
Speaking to the BBC, he added: “It’s a massive deal being in the Olympics. It’s been a huge part of his life. Back in Rio in 2016 he was the flag-bearer for Team GB. He’s very proud of that.”
