Murray is the only tennis player in history to win consecutive gold medals in the men's singles event at the Olympics.
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In the twilight years of their career, most athletes find it close to impossible to play as they used to in their prime. It happens across almost every single sport and very few have ever managed to find their form or keep their consistency. Unless one is immensely gifted and works exceptionally to keep their fitness, it simply does not happen. Very few have managed to keep that consistency throughout their career. A prime example would be the big three in tennis, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Thing is, they are not the only greats in the sport. The thing that players face at the end of their careers, even more so than the decline of ability, is oblivion.
That is not in the sense that fans completely forget about the player. The fans will always have the utmost respect for a player who has earned their respect, irrespective of age or form. And then if one day, that particular player displays a brilliant performance in one of the biggest sporting events in the world, it is always special. What ‘oblivion’ in this sense means is ‘not in contention.’ People will not see that athlete as a favorite to win the competition, and that is normal. However, if they do manage to perform exceedingly well, and win the competition, they are revered and celebrated by people across the globe. It might probably even be the athlete’s highest moment in their career. This is what tennis superstar Andy Murray will be hoping for when he travels to Tokyo with Great Britain for the Olympic Games.
Andy Murray, who is currently 34, is considered one of Britain’s best-ever tennis players. He was unstoppable during his prime, getting the better of the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. He will also be defending his crown when he steps onto the court in Tokyo. Murray is the only tennis player in history to win consecutive gold medals in the men’s singles event at the Olympics. However, given his current form, it is highly unlikely for the Scot to make it a hattrick in Tokyo.
The 34-year-old has had an extremely difficult time getting back to his best in the sport in recent history. He had undergone extensive treatment following hip and groin injuries. Had he been at his best, Murray might have been one of the favorites for the gold yet again in Tokyo. The former world number 1 is currently ranked 119 in the world, which is quite shocking. He will play a singles game, for the first time since 2017, a singles game at the All England Club next week as part of his preparation ahead of the Games.
The two-time Wimbledon champion was rife with joy and gratitude as he learned that he will be representing his country in Tokyo. He said that it was a great honor for him to represent Great Britain for the fourth time in the Games. He also said that leading the country out at the Rio Games was one of the highlights of his tennis career and life.
“The Olympics mean a huge amount to me, it’s a massive honor to be able to compete at a fourth games,” Murray said.
“Leading Team GB out at the opening ceremony five years ago in Rio was one of the highlights of my career,” he added.
At the London Games in 2012, Murray arguably had the best Olympics performance of his career. Not only did he win the men’s singles gold medal, but he also managed to bag the silver medal in the mixed doubles event alongside Laura Robson.
Murray will not be alone as he looks to write a redemption story for the ages. He will have his team in support of him at the Japanese capital. His teammates also are all great players in their own right. Murray might even face some of them on the court. They might have the former world number 1’s back but if they stand opposite each other on the court, it will only be about the tennis.
Andy Murray and Dan Evans will be taking part in the men’s singles event. Johanna Konta and Heather Watson will play in the women’s singles. For the men’s doubles, the two teams are Dan Evans and Neal Skupski, and Joe Salisbury and Andy Murray. The women’s doubles will see the team of Johanna Konta and Heather Watson. The teams for the mixed doubles event are yet to be announced and will be confirmed once they receive information regarding the ranking cutoff.
It is safe to say that Murray will go down as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. His record proves that he still stands well and truly with other legendary players. After all, he has achieved something that has never been done in the sport before. Winning the gold medal and the men’s singles event for consecutive Olympics. The chances of him converting into a hattrick do look thin, but one never knows. If Murray does somehow manage to pull off the dream, then he will probably cherish it as the greatest sporting moment of his life.
