Andy Murray: Doubles partner Dan Evans believes Brit can sign off with Olympic medal - 'He's as competitive as ever'

After the news that Andy Murray would be pulling out of the singles competition at Paris 2024, all eyes turned to the men's doubles with partner Dan Evans. With retirement looming for the two-time Wimbledon champion, Evans is confident that he can give Murray the send-off he deserves. And the Olympics is a happy hunting ground for the Scot, who already has two gold medals to his name.

‘Unbelievably special’ – Murray reflects on London 2012 ahead of Olympic swansong

Video credit: TNT Sports

Dan Evans firmly believes he can help a "competitive as ever" Andy Murray earn the perfect tennis swansong and win an Olympic medal.
The Birmingham-born star and the two-time Wimbledon champion will chase the Paris podium in the men's doubles with even more impetus following Murray's withdrawal from the singles competition.
The pair will start their Olympic campaign against Japanese pair Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori with Murray already having confirmed that this will be his last-ever tournament.
"There's nothing more that I want than to get a medal for him and myself," said Evans.
"We both agreed at the start of the week when Leon (Smith) asked us, we are going to prioritise doubles. I had to take some time out after Wimbledon with my knee.
"It's really positive that we agreed on that and we can work together on giving ourselves the best chance. I don't see any reason why we can't do something special.
"I don't think Andy wants it to be a farewell, I think he wants to win a medal and he'll say goodbye in his own way. He's here to do a job and get a medal.
"He was out there the other day doing sprints at the end of our session. Knowing Andy as I do, he's as competitive as ever, working as hard as ever."
Evans has his own singles ambitions, and he will take on Tunisian Moez Echargui in the first round at Roland-Garros, the vaunted venue that hosts the French Open each year.
Murray is one of the most successful tennis players in Olympic history and it has been a match made in heaven between him and the Games since Beijing 2008.
He beat Roger Federer to strike singles gold at London 2012 before becoming the first tennis player to win two Olympic singles titles by retaining his crown at Rio 2016.
picture

When Murray was No. 1 - Archive of British star's rise to the top

Video credit: SNTV

"The Olympics feels totally different, and I personally love it," said Murray. "Some of the tennis players feel the same as me, some of them don't. I love being around all of the athletes and representing my country.
"When you're on your own, on the tour, it is at times a little bit lonely. Maybe it's more stressful in some ways. I don't know the exact reason. I just know when I'm here it feels different, it feels more important."
Summing up Murray's impact on the sport, Evans said: "There's few words you can say about how big an impact he has had, not just on tennis, but on sport. He's one of the leading lights to have ever worn a Team GB kit."

discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement