Tennis

Andy Murray's illustrious tennis career received a dramatic extension at the Paris Olympics, as he and British partner Dan Evans defied the odds to secure a thrilling first-round doubles victory. Facing the Japanese duo of Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori, Murray and Evans found themselves trailing 9-4 in the decisive tiebreaker. However, they displayed remarkable resilience, saving five match points to emerge victorious with a 2-6, 7-6 (5), 11-9 triumph.The victory was met with an outpouring of emotion from Murray, who had previously announced that the Summer Games would mark the end of his competitive career. The 37-year-old had withdrawn from the singles bracket, leaving doubles as his sole Olympic pursuit.The British pair received unwavering support from the crowd inside Court Suzanne Lenglen, with British flags and Scottish kilts adorning the stands. Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion and two-time Olympic singles gold medalist, has been a beacon of British tennis for over a decade. His Wimbledon triumph in 2013 made him the first British man to win the prestigious title in 77 years.Despite battling a series of injuries in recent years, including a hip replacement in 2019 and a recent surgery to remove a cyst from his spine, Murray's determination remains unwavering. His performance in Paris showcased his unwavering spirit and the enduring legacy he has left on the sport.

Andy Murray's illustrious tennis career is nearing its end, with the Paris Olympics set to be his final tournament. As a testament to his remarkable achievements, we present five of his most astounding career statistics, leading up to the commencement of the tournament on Saturday.Murray's legacy is marked by three Grand Slam titles, including the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016. These triumphs were particularly significant, as they came during the most competitive era in men's tennis history, with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic dominating the sport.However, Murray's greatest accomplishment may lie in his ability to break the Big 3's stranglehold on the No. 1 ranking. While other players managed to win Grand Slams during this period, Murray was the only one to reach the top spot between 2004 and 2022.The Big 3 held the No. 1 ranking for over 12 years, from 2004 to 2016. Murray then ascended to the top spot for 41 consecutive weeks, from 2016 to 2017. This remarkable achievement was fueled by a stellar 2016 season, which saw him win nine titles, including Wimbledon, Olympic gold, and the ATP Finals title.Murray's dominance extended beyond the No. 1 ranking. He was the only player outside the Big 3 to spend time in the Top 2 between 2005 and 2021. This remarkable feat underscores his exceptional consistency and ability to compete with the greatest players of all time.As Murray prepares for his final tournament, his legacy as one of the most accomplished tennis players of his generation is secure. His ability to break the Big 3's dominance and reach the pinnacle of the sport is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Andy Murray has announced that he will not compete in the singles competition at the upcoming Paris Games, prioritizing the doubles event instead. This decision marks the final tournament of his illustrious career before retirement.Murray, 37, underwent surgery to remove a spinal cyst in late June, which forced him to skip the singles at Wimbledon this month. Despite initially entering both singles and doubles in Paris alongside Dan Evans, he has opted to focus solely on the doubles event."I've taken the decision to withdraw from the singles to concentrate on the doubles with Dan," Murray said in a statement. "Our practice has been great and we're playing well together. Really looking forward to getting started and representing Britain one more time."Murray's decision stems from his desire to maximize his chances of success in the doubles event. He has a proven track record in doubles, having won the mixed doubles silver medal at the London Olympics in 2012 alongside Laura Robson.The Scot's retirement announcement in June sent shockwaves through the tennis world. He has been a dominant force in the sport for over a decade, winning three Grand Slam titles and reaching the world number one ranking. However, persistent injuries have taken their toll, leading to his decision to step away from the game.Murray's legacy as one of the greatest British tennis players of all time is secure. His Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016, as well as his Wimbledon title in 2013, will forever be etched in the annals of sporting history.

Andy Murray, the legendary British tennis player, has announced that the upcoming Paris Olympics will mark the end of his illustrious career. As a tribute to his remarkable achievements, we present a countdown of his five most impressive career statistics, leading up to the tournament's commencement on Saturday.Today, we highlight Murray's extraordinary feat of defeating the "Big 3" of tennis—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—seven or more times each. This remarkable accomplishment sets him apart as the only player to have achieved such a feat against these tennis titans.Murray's head-to-head record against the Big 3 is a testament to his exceptional skill and unwavering determination. He has triumphed over Federer 11 times, Nadal 7 times, and Djokovic 11 times. No other player has managed to defeat each of these legends even six times.Murray's dominance over the Big 3 is further evident in his combined career wins against them. With 29 victories, he holds the record for the most combined wins over the trio outside of their own ranks. This statistic underscores his consistent ability to challenge and overcome the greatest players of his generation.The only other player to have achieved five or more career wins over each member of the Big 3 is Dominic Thiem, who has defeated Federer five times, Nadal six times, and Djokovic five times. However, Thiem is also retiring this year, leaving Murray as the sole player to have achieved this remarkable feat.Murray's legacy as a tennis great is cemented by his ability to compete with and defeat the best players in the world. His record against the Big 3 stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. As he prepares for his final tournament, we celebrate his remarkable career and the indelible mark he has left on the sport of tennis.

Emma Raducanu's decision to withdraw from her mixed doubles match with Andy Murray at Wimbledon has sparked controversy. The 2021 US Open champion cited a stiff wrist as the reason for her withdrawal, which effectively ended Murray's Wimbledon career.Raducanu's decision has been met with criticism, as it shattered Murray's hopes of one last appearance at the All England Club. The two-time Wimbledon champion was unable to play the men's singles due to a spinal cyst surgery and lost in the first round of the men's doubles with his brother Jamie.Murray expressed disappointment over Raducanu's withdrawal, while his mother, Judy, described the move as "astonishing." However, Raducanu defended her decision, stating that she had to prioritize her singles match and her body."I have to prioritize myself, my singles, and my body," Raducanu said. "I stand by the decision. Yeah, obviously it was a tough decision, though."Raducanu's withdrawal has raised questions about the importance of mixed doubles in tennis. Some argue that it is a valuable opportunity for players to compete with and learn from each other, while others believe that it should not take precedence over singles matches.Despite the controversy, Raducanu has expressed her admiration for Murray and his accomplishments. She hopes that he will play in the Paris Olympics and have another farewell there."Obviously disappointed because it's his last match," Raducanu said. "But, yeah, what a champion. I think that hopefully he'll play in the Olympics and have another farewell there."Raducanu's Wimbledon run ended in the fourth round with a loss to New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun. Despite the disappointing result, Raducanu believes that she has rediscovered her passion for tennis."I think that desire and fire is back," Raducanu said. "I just want to keep building on that."

Andy Murray's illustrious tennis career culminated at Wimbledon 2022, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and inspiring generations to come. From his humble beginnings as a lanky teenager to his status as a beloved elder statesman, Murray's journey has been a testament to perseverance, determination, and the transformative power of sport.Murray's triumph at Wimbledon in 2013, breaking a 77-year drought for British men, was a watershed moment. It not only reinvigorated British tennis but also showcased Murray's unique blend of grit and resilience. Despite his unconventional style and occasional outbursts, Murray's competitive fire and unwavering determination endeared him to fans worldwide.Beyond his on-court achievements, Murray has been a vocal advocate for women's tennis and equality. His decision to hire Amelie Mauresmo as his coach in 2014 was a groundbreaking move that challenged gender norms in the sport. Murray's support for women's rights and his willingness to speak out on important issues have earned him widespread admiration.Murray's impact on his fellow players has been profound. Harriet Dart, the British No. 2, praised his dedication and kindness, while Alexander Zverev acknowledged his role in attracting fans to tennis. Novak Djokovic, Murray's long-time rival, expressed immense respect for his unwavering determination, particularly in the face of injuries.Murray's greatest feat may have been his late-season charge in 2016, culminating in his capture of the year-end No. 1 ranking. This remarkable run, which included a 25-match winning streak, showcased his indomitable spirit and inspired countless athletes.Despite his numerous accolades, Murray remains humble and focused on his craft. He credits his unwavering work ethic and dedication as the key to his success. Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, succinctly summed up Murray's legacy: "I think Wimbledon is Andy Murray and Andy Murray is Wimbledon."

Andy Murray's Wimbledon farewell has been cut short after Emma Raducanu withdrew from their mixed doubles match due to a wrist injury. The pair were scheduled to play on Saturday evening, but Raducanu's withdrawal means Murray's Grand Slam career has come to an end.Murray, 37, was honored with a special tribute on Centre Court on Thursday night after losing his men's doubles opener with brother Jamie Murray. The tribute marked the end of an era for British tennis, as Murray is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.Raducanu's withdrawal is a major blow to Murray's hopes of ending his career on a high. The 21-year-old is one of the most promising young players in the world, and her partnership with Murray would have been a formidable one.However, Raducanu's wrist injury has forced her to withdraw from the tournament. In a statement, she said: "Unfortunately I woke up with some stiffness in my right wrist, so therefore I have decided to make the very tough decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles tonight. I'm disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing with Andy but got to take care."Murray's mother, Judy, expressed her disappointment at Raducanu's withdrawal on social media. She wrote: "Astonishing. Emma Raducanu withdraws from mixed doubles with Andy Murray at Wimbledon due to a 'stiff wrist'. She played 3 tough sets yesterday and looked fine. Makes no sense."Murray is expected to retire from tennis after the Paris Olympics later this month. He has entered singles and men's doubles with Dan Evans.

Andy Murray's Wimbledon legacy extends beyond his historic singles triumphs. His memorable mixed doubles partnership with Serena Williams in 2019 stands as a testament to his versatility and commitment to promoting women's sports.Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to play alongside Murray in a heartfelt video message. "It was such a fantastic experience," she said. "It really was one of the highlights of my life."The duo, boasting a combined nine Wimbledon singles titles, won two mixed doubles matches before falling to the top seeds. Murray's advocacy for women's sports, both on and off the court, has earned him Williams' admiration."You were the leader in that," Williams said. "The things you spoke up about on—the things you said about myself and Venus, about how we were always so inspiring, and what we meant to you—it really went such a long way, in my heart."Murray's mother, Judy, has been a constant source of support throughout his career. His emotional interview after his doubles loss with brother Jamie highlighted her influence.Despite his recent doubles defeat, Murray's Wimbledon journey continues alongside Emma Raducanu in mixed doubles. The 2012 and 2021 US Open champions will face Marcelo Arevalo and Zhang Shuai on Saturday.Williams, an avid Murray fan, expressed her unwavering support. "I will always be cheering for you and rooting you on, whatever you decide to do next," she said.Murray's Wimbledon legacy is not solely defined by his singles victories. His mixed doubles partnership with Williams and his advocacy for women's sports have cemented his status as a true champion both on and off the court.

On Thursday at Wimbledon, the spotlight shone on British tennis as Andy Murray bid farewell to Centre Court alongside his brother Jamie. The occasion marked a poignant moment in British tennis history, as the nation's greatest player since Fred Perry took his final bow.However, the day was not solely about the past. It was a showcase for the future of British tennis, as four of Murray's potential successors took to the courts. Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart, the top two British women, faced off in a thrilling battle, followed by Jack Draper and Cam Norrie, the top two British men.In a match filled with tension and drama, Dart emerged victorious over Boulter in a 10-point tiebreaker. The lower-ranked player triumphed over the higher-ranked opponent, demonstrating the pressure that comes with defending the top spot in front of a home crowd.The men's match between Draper and Norrie was a more straightforward affair. Norrie, the more experienced player, dominated the match, winning in straight sets. Despite Draper's recent success, Norrie proved that he remains a force to be reckoned with in British tennis.While no one can truly replace Murray, the performances of Boulter, Dart, Draper, and Norrie on Thursday provided a glimpse of a bright future for British tennis. They showcased the talent, determination, and passion that will carry the sport forward in the years to come.