ANDY MURRAY essentially ended a glorious Olympic singles career after withdrawing from the Tokyo Games with a quad strain.
Hours before he was due to face Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime in the first round at the Ariake Tennis Park, the news came through that the two-time defending champion had withdrawn.
TOKYO OLYMPICS LIVE: All the latest from the Games with our live blog
WHAT’S ON TODAY? Best bits to watch at the Olympics and UK times for your favourite stars
After his first-round doubles match with Joe Salisbury in the fierce Japanese heat on Saturday – the pair beat the French No.2 seeds in their first match together – the Scot felt tightness in his thigh.
Following medical advice with Team GB doctors at the Olympic Village, it was decided he should only focus on one event and there is understandably better chance of a medal in the men’s doubles competition.
Murray, 34, has had a history of injuries and hip operations in recent years and this is the latest fitness setback.
The former world No.1 said: “I am really disappointed at having to withdraw but the medical staff have advised me against playing in both events.
“So I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the singles and focus on playing doubles with Joe.”
Murray, winner of gold at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, admitted on the eve of these Games that these could be his last Olympics. He also played at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
OLYMPICS BETTING SPECIAL: GET ADAM PEATY TO WIN ANY MEDAL IN THE BREASTROKE AT 20/1
When it comes to Paris in 2024, Murray would be 37 years old and it is unlikely but not impossible he will have made the drawsheet.
Given there is a physical discomfort the thought of playing Wimbledon quarter-final Auger Aliassime, 14 years his junior, would have been unwise and unnecessary in hot and humid conditions.
Especially as the one and only time they met Auger Aliassime won comfortably in three sets at the US Open second round.
DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000
