For the memories and the victories. The brilliance and resilience. The motivation and inspiration. Thank you for everything, Andy 🥹
Andy Murray and Dan Evans were defeated by Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul by 6-2, 6-2 as the career of the great former World No.1 ends in the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games. The British team had a weak first set and struggled in the second to stay in the match but ultimately could not mount a successful comeback.
The loss marks the end of Murray's career, as he bids farewell after 19 years in the sport. The two-time Olympic gold medalist in singles had a strong run in his partnership with Evans, but the Americans ended their aspirations at Paris 2024.
The start of the set was completely in favor of Fritz and Paul. The American No. 1 and No. 2 took two consecutive breaks and quickly went up 4-0. The Brits began to raise their level, with both Murray and Evans managing to defend their service games, but it was not enough to make a comeback in the set, which ended 6-2 in favor of the USA.
It seemed like a straightforward day for Fritz and Paul, who quickly secured breaks in the 3rd and 5th games to lead 4-1. The match's tense moments began as the Brits managed to pull one break back, but in the following game, Murray struggled with his serve, failing to keep the Brits close to their opponents.
The end of the match was a dignified farewell for Murray. Paul was serving with the score 5-2 in his favor and had the chance to close out the match. In a contested game, the Brits saved a match point and had five break opportunities before securing the game that kept them alive in the match.
Evans managed to close the gap to 4-5 with his serve, staying close and hoping for a break to keep them in the match. However, Fritz silenced the stadium with excellent serving games, securing the victory for the United States with scores of 6-2, 6-4.
Paul and Fritz will face Australian duo Matthew Ebden and John Peers in the semifinals, while their compatriots Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek (4th seeds) await in the final.
For the memories and the victories. The brilliance and resilience. The motivation and inspiration. Thank you for everything, Andy 🥹