Andy Murray withdraws from singles tennis at Olympics

Andy Murray has confirmed his withdrawal from singles tennis at the Olympics.

The three-time grand slam champion said he made the decision to withdraw from the competition to concentrate on doubles with Dan Evans.

Murray said the duo were playing well together and added that he was looking forward to representing Team GB one more time.

The decision comes after the 37-year-old said the Paris Games will be his “last ever tennis tournament” in a post on social media.

Murray, who is the only man to have won two Olympic gold medals in tennis, said on X, formerly Twitter: “Arrived in Paris for my last ever tennis tournament @Olympics

“Competing for Team GB has been by far the most memorable weeks of my career and I’m extremely proud to get to do it one final time!”

This week, the Scot announced he will retire from tennis after this summer’s Olympics.

He was recently denied a Wimbledon farewell in the singles after he had surgery on a spinal cyst just a week before the tournament began.

Murray exited the Wimbledon stage for the final time earlier this month.

He battled to be able to make it on to Centre Court one more time and, while he would have much preferred not to be forced into back surgery a week before and struggle through a doubles defeat with brother Jamie, the emotional celebration of his career that followed was the perfect send-off.

Sir Andy was due to play mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu but the former US Open champion pulled out of the clash, citing stiffness in her right wrist.

Speaking to STV News about retiring, Murray said: “It’s something that for the last year or so I’ve been thinking about it and I found that difficult because you are unsure how you want to finish.

“But when I had the injury and the operation i knew this was the right time to stop. I’ve been really happy and good with it.”

Scotland’s greatest sportsman said he will miss the competition.

“It’s something I’ve done since I was little and I’ve always loved competing, that drive to get better, and probably the routine, having that structure, I’ll need to find something to do with that free time,” he said.

“I’m not suggesting that will be easy but I’m sure I’ll find something to do. I’ve four young kids, I want to be with them and spend as much time with them while they are young. Once I’m ready I’ll make that decision and work hard towards that is.

“I can’t control what is going to happen on the court but I’ve being trying to prepare the best I can with Dan for the doubles, that’s where the best chance of getting a medal is. It would be incredibly special.”