Murray and Evans face Japanese test
Andy Murray will face Japanese opposition to start his final tennis tournament after confirming his withdrawal from the singles event at the Paris Olympics.
The two-time gold medallist is still not fully recovered from the back surgery he had last month and believes the men’s doubles, where he is playing with Dan Evans, offers his best chance of another medal.
Murray 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.”
Murray and Evans have drawn Japanese pair Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori. The day of the match will be revealed when the order of play is announced.
Murray, who won gold in singles in London and Rio as well as silver in mixed doubles with Laura Robson in
2012, confirmed earlier this week that he will retire after the Olympics.
The 37-year-old said: “The Olympics has been obviously incredibly special for me, I’ve had amazing memories on the court, especially in London, to win medals there was unbelievable. I’m really happy I get to do this one more time.” Novak Djokovic, chasing the one major honour he has not yet won, is the top seed in the men’s singles in the absence of world number one Jannik Sinner, who has withdrawn with tonsilitis. And there could be a blockbuster secondround clash between the Serbian and 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal after they were placed in the same section of the draw.
British number one Jack Draper takes on Nishikori while Cameron Norrie is almost certain to find reigning French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz waiting if he can make it past Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in the first round. Evans will face Tunisian Moez Echargui.
Katie Boulter is Britain’s sole representative in the women’s singles and she will face Slovakian Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in the first round.
Britain’s best hope for a medal comes in the men’s doubles, where fifth seeds Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski will play Czech duo Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek in the first round.