After his success in the first round of the ATP 250 in Zhuhai, China, against the modest Chinese player Ye Cong Mo (668th) on Thursday (7-5, 6-3), Andy Murray declared that he hoped to participate in his fifth and probably last Olympics in Paris next year. “I would love to participate in more Olympics. I have had exciting experiences throughout my career at the Olympic Games. I have loved all the Games I have participated in.”
“Very disappointed last time” in Tokyo. The former world number 1, Olympic champion in singles in 2012 in London and 2016 in Rio, was disappointed in Tokyo in 2021. The 36-year-old Brit withdrew from the singles tournament due to a thigh strain and was eliminated in the quarterfinals alongside Joe Salisbury. “If this is the end of my Olympic journey, I want to say a big thank you to the British team and everyone for your support. You have helped me give my best over the years. It has been an absolute privilege to represent you and my country at four Olympic Games, and it has given me some of the best memories of my life,” he had said on Twitter, suggesting that he was done with the Games.
“I was very disappointed last time. I got injured before the tournament and promised my partner to prioritize doubles over singles in case of any issues. And we were very close to a medal in doubles. We were leading a set and 4-3, serving with match points in the quarterfinals, and we had a very good opportunity, but we didn’t make it. I would love to have another chance to play next year in Paris. It would be my fifth Olympic Games and most likely the last,” said the 44th-ranked player, who will face Russian player Aslan Karatsev (63rd) on Friday in Zhuhai.
