Two-time Olympic gold medalist Andy Murray has announced that he is unlikely to compete in the singles competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics due to fitness concerns. Instead, he will prioritize the doubles event alongside Dan Evans, marking the final tournament of his illustrious career.
Murray, who recently underwent surgery to remove a spinal cyst, skipped the singles competition at Wimbledon this month. While he is currently entered in both singles and doubles in Paris, he has admitted that his back is not fully recovered. He believes that playing two matches in a single day, as required for singles, would be too demanding on his body.
“I need to make that decision… But I don’t think so,” Murray said to British media regarding his participation in the singles. “Obviously, me and Dan have made the commitment to each other that was what we would prioritize. Since we’ve been here, we’ve been practicing and playing doubles sets. That gives the team and us the best opportunity to win a medal realistically. My back is still not perfect and the potential of playing two matches in the day is maybe not the best.”
The 37-year-old tennis star has achieved phenomenal success in the Olympics. He clinched singles gold at London 2012, defeating Roger Federer in the final, and defended his title four years later in Rio by overcoming Juan Martin del Potro. He also holds a mixed doubles silver medal from London, partnering with Laura Robson.
Murray announced on Tuesday that he would retire from professional tennis after the Paris Games, which will take place from July 27 to August 4 at Roland Garros. Despite the decision, he remains optimistic about his final performance, emphasizing that it’s the right time for him to step away. “I didn’t feel that way a few months ago when I thought this was when I was going to stop. I didn’t really want to, whereas now I want to and I know that it’s the right time for me,” he expressed.
Murray’s decision to focus on doubles comes after a remarkable career revival following hip-resurfacing surgery in 2019. His commitment to the doubles event in Paris is a testament to his dedication to the sport and his determination to end his career on a high note.
