Andy Murray discusses dream to play final Olympics after being ‘really disappointed last time’

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Andy Murray 2016 Rio Olympics

Andy Murray has outlined his goal to play at the Olympics in Paris next year in what would likely be his final appearance at the Games.

The two-time Olympic champion revealed he would “love” the opportunity to compete at the event again after being “really disappointed” at the Tokyo Olympics. The Brit is the only player to have won two Olympic gold medals in singles.

Murray defeated Roger Federer in straight sets in the gold medal match at the 2012 Games in London – with the tennis event played at Wimbledon’s All England Club. He also partnered Laura Robson to win a silver medal in the mixed doubles event.

The three-time major champion then defended his title four years later in Rio, when he overcame Juan Martin Del Potro in a four-set singles final.

The former world No 1 made his Olympic debut at the 2008 Games in Beijing, where he was defeated in the opening round by Lu Yen-hsun.

At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Murray pulled out of the singles tournament after picking up an injury ahead of the Games. He competed in doubles with partner Joe Salisbury and reached the quarter-finals.

The tennis event for the 2024 Paris Olympics will be played on the clay courts of Roland Garros.

Speaking at this week’s ATP 250 tournament in Zhuhai, Murray addressed the prospect of representing Great Britain at the Olympics for a fifth time.

“I’d love to play another Olympics. I have had thrilling experiences throughout my career at the Olympics. I’ve loved every single one that I’ve been involved in,” explained the 36-year-old.

“I was really disappointed last time. I’d gotten an injury right before the tournament and I promised my partner I would prioritise the doubles over singles if there was a problem.

“And we were very close to getting a medal in the doubles. We were up a set and 4-3, serving with game points in the quarterfinals and we had a really good chance and didn’t quite do it.

“So I was really disappointed with the last one and I would love another opportunity to play next year in Paris. It would be my fifth Olympics and most likely the last one.”

The world No 41 overcame world No 668 Ye Cong Mo, a Chinese wildcard, 7-5, 6-3 in his opening round match in Zhuhai on Thursday.

The Brit will face world No 63 Aslan Karatsev in the second round in Zhuhai. Murray lost to the Russian in the pair’s only previous encounter in the final of the 2022 Sydney international.

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