Andy Murray withdraws from Olympics singles draw, doubles opponents revealed

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter
Published: 25 July 2024 10:32 AM
Last updated: 25 July 2024 10:32 AM

Two-time champion Andy Murray withdraws from the men’s singles event at the Olympic Games, officially bringing an end to his time in that format of tennis.

Andy Murray has announced that he has withdrawn from the men’s singles event at the Olympic Games.
The two-time champion had already confirmed that he will retire from tennis after the Games in Paris, his last stretch of a legendary career having been heavily hindered by injury.

A back operation led to him needing to pull out of the singles at Wimbledon before he recovered sufficiently enough to join forces with brother Jamie Murray in the doubles.

The 37-year-old has committed to playing alongside Dan Evans for Great Britain in the men’s doubles event in Paris, the pair being drawn against Japan’s Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori in the first round.

However, there was considerable doubt over whether the Scot would risk an appearance in the singles, particularly on the clay of Roland Garros, and a decision was required ahead of Thursday’s draw.

What did Murray say?

Late in the morning, Murray released a statement to confirm that he had taken the decision to place priority on featuring with fellow veteran Evans.

The statement read: “I’ve taken the decision to withdraw from the singles to concentrate on the doubles with Dan.

“Our practice has been great and we’re playing well together. Really looking forward to getting started and representing GB one more time.”

Murray’s decision means that his last-ever singles appearance came at Queen’s in June, where he suffered the back injury that led to him withdrawing from a match with Jordan Thompson after just a few games.

Who are the British representatives playing in Paris?
While Murray is not pulling double-duty at the Olympics, Evans is, and the 34-year-old goes up against Tunisia’s Moez Echargui in the men’s singles.

British number one Jack Draper has been provided with the challenge of facing Nishikori in the first round, while Cameron Norrie will meet Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.

In the women’s draw, Katie Boulter will play Slovakia’s Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, as well as teaming with Heather Watson to face Germany’s Angelique Kerber and Laura Siegemund in the doubles.

As well as Murray teaming with Evans, Joe Salisbury and Neil Skupski are the fifth seeds in the men’s doubles and play the Czech Republic duo of Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek.

The mixed doubles will see Salisbury and Watson combine to take on Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime and Gabriela Dabrowski.

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