Andy Murray has confirmed his professional singles career is over after pulling out of the draw for the Olympic Games in Paris.
Murray withdrew from his last singles match against Jordan Thompson in the early stages of the first set at Queen’s Club last month with a back problem and missed the subsequent singles at Wimbledon.
He had been hopeful of doubling up in both the singles and doubles at these Games but today confirmed he would not be in the draw for the singles.
Instead, the 37-year-old will solely turn his focus to the men’s doubles where he is playing alongside Dan Evans with the British pair drawn to face Japanese duo Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori in the opening round.
Announcing his decision to forego that format, he said: “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.”
Both Murray and Evans have had their own injury issues in the lengthy build-up to the Olympics.
Two-time Olympic singles champion Murray pulled out of the singles at Wimbledon after losing his race to be fit in time following surgery on a cyst on his back.
But he still entered the men’s doubles and played with brother Jamie, the pair losing in the opening round before an emotional on-court farewell at a tournament where he was a two-time former champion.
Evans, meanwhile, slipped and injured his knee at Queen’s and then struggled at the All England Club where he lost in the opening round, later complaining that he had been playing on one knee.
Evans and Murray are both accomplished doubles players and have been given a clean bill of health to compete in that format.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are on course to meet each other in a mouth-watering clash in the second round of the men’s singles.
Of the British men in the singles, Jack Draper will face Nishikori, Cameron Norrie takes on Tallon Griekspoor – with Carlos Alcaraz potentially lying in wait in round two, and Evans drawn against Moez Echargui.
