Andy Murray put off his retirement plans with an extraordinary escape act, as he and Dan Evans saved five match points to win their Olympic men’s doubles opener. Murray, 37, announced last week that the Paris Games would be his final event in tennis, but this thrilling victory has given him new life.
In a match that seemed to be slipping away, the British duo triumphed 2-6, 7-6 (7-5), 11-9 against Japan’s Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori. Reflecting on the tense encounter, Murray admitted, “The way we were playing to that stage would not have suggested we were likely to come back. I certainly felt I was not playing well. Evo played well at times, but for both of us, we could play much better. It all clicked at the end.”
When Daniel mistimed a shot on the Britons’ first match point, both players seemed stunned by the turn of events. They had trailed 9-4 in the deciding tie-break, and it appeared defeat was imminent. Evans turned to Murray and leapt into an emotional hug, celebrating their unbelievable comeback. Murray’s mother, Judy, who has supported him throughout his career, was also taken by surprise. “I was mentally working out which flight I would get home tonight,” she revealed to BBC Sport. “But you can never write him off.”
Murray and Evans are still awaiting confirmation of their second-round opponents. They will face the winners of the match between French eighth seeds Arthur Fils and Ugo Humbert and Belgium’s Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen.
Murray’s journey to his fifth Olympics has been tumultuous yet triumphant, encompassing three Grand Slam titles and a previous top ranking. He holds the unique distinction of winning two Olympic singles titles, clinching back-to-back golds in London 2012 and Rio 2016. Paris 2024 seems a fitting venue for his career farewell, but as Murray has often stated, there is no “perfect ending” in tennis.
Winning another Olympic medal alongside Evans, who is competing in his first Games at 34, would be a remarkable way to cap off his career. The odds did not seem favorable as both players had struggled with injuries and poor form this year. Murray underwent surgery to remove a cyst from his back just six weeks ago, and it’s been a remarkable feat for him to compete at the Games given his fitness challenges.
In 2019, he faced the prospect of retirement due to a hip injury, famously breaking down in tears at a press conference while discussing his fears. Yet he has not only returned to the sport but has also enjoyed ATP wins and notable Grand Slam victories. Evans, too, had his own scare when he fell during a singles match earlier that day, worrying he might not be fit for the doubles, but luckily, he was able to compete.
“I’ve turned a lot of matches around that people thought I shouldn’t have won,” Murray reflected. “I’ve had that mental toughness and strength which, early in my career, was questioned. I’m proud of that side of things. Evo played a huge part in this win; he helped me big time today.”
How the Dramatic Fightback Unfolded:
The match took an unexpected turn when Daniel faced five match points. Here’s how the Brits climbed back point by point:
- 5-9: Murray serves wide, Daniel cannot reach it.
- 6-9: Nishikori sends a second serve long in frustration.
- 7-9: Nishikori commits a double fault.
- 8-9: Nishikori’s forehand dribbles into the net after a baseline exchange.
- 9-9: Evans lands a strong serve to tie the match.
- 10-9: Evans’s serve returns too close for Nishikori to handle.
- 11-9 – GB Win: Murray’s return reaches Daniel, but he nets it.
The British contingent erupted in celebration as their players escaped a dire situation on the clay in Paris. “At the end of the match I was jumping around and so happy,” Murray said, reflecting on the thrilling victory. “But as we were getting back, I felt pretty calm and played my best at the end.”
Credit: BBC Sport
