Andy Murray's farewell extended: Heroic comeback by Murray and Evans in doubles, saving 5 match points
ATP
Andy Murray
and Daniel Evans secured an epic victory against Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori
in the Olympic Games doubles. The British pair saved five consecutive match
points and ended up with an incredible comeback, winning 2-6, 7-6(5), 11-9.
The victory
ensures that Murray extends his farewell, at least for one more match. The
former world No. 1 decided not to participate in the singles draw due to not
being in his best physical shape, leaving only the doubles before finalizing
his retirement.
First set
The Suzanne
Lenglen court was packed to witness the possible farewell of one of the
greatest tennis players of the last decades. With great support from the crowd,
the former world No. 1 entered his fourth and final Olympic event alongside his
compatriot Evans.
Read also
In the
beginning of the first set, each player managed to hold their service game,
making it 2-2. However, problems began for the British duo as both Murray and
Evans lost their serves in the following games and could do nothing from the
return.
The
Japanese pair took the first set 6-2, winning 89% of points on their first
serve and 80% on their second. On the other hand, the Brits managed only 35% of
points on their first serve and 38% on their second. Several unforced errors
from the Brits, coupled with the strong chemistry of the Asian pair, kept them
far from keeping pace.
Second Set
The second
set started poorly for the British pair, losing their serve right away and
seeing the Japanese take a 2-0 lead within minutes. The Evans/Murray duo's
resistance began to show results as they recovered the break and equalized 2-2.
Read also
However,
the Europeans' joy was short-lived as they quickly lost their serve in the
fifth game, once again showing the same weaknesses they suffered in the first
set due to ineffective serving. The Japanese were up 4-2, and everything seemed
nearly decided.
A new reaction from the Europeans allowed them to recover the break and win three
consecutive games to unexpectedly take a 5-4 lead, as the crowd increasingly
supported Murray/Evans. Both countries managed to hold their service games for
the rest of the set, taking everything to a tie-break.
Andy Murray at 2023 Wimbledon.
Although
the Japanese took the first mini-break, they ended up conceding a couple of
service points, allowing the Europeans to win the set 7-6(5). Everything was
decided in the 10-point tie-break, which replaces the third set in Olympic
doubles.
After an even start, the Japanese duo began to take the lead by securing three consecutive mini-breaks. Daniel and Nishikori were up 9-4 with five match points in their favor. However, Murray and Evans didn't give up; they won the next seven points in a row and sealed an incredible 2-6, 7-6, 11-9 victory to advance to the second round, extending Murray's career for at least one more match.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
