Andy Murray LIVE: Olympics dream comes to an end as Scot retires following Team GB exit
Andy Murray has played his final tennis match after bowing out of the Olympics men’s doubles with Dan Evans in a quarter-finals defeat to the American pair Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.
Murray and Evans had saved seven match points across two extraordinary comebacks to fuel an incredible run in Paris that postponed the 37-year-old’s retirement by a few days.
But with a shot at an Olympics medal suddenly within reach, Fritz and Paul were a step up in class. The Americans won 6-2 6-4 to reach the semi-finals and end Murray’s historic career, despite a spirited last effort when all looked lost.
“I’m happy,” Murray said. “It’s been a good run here. A brilliant final tournament. Obviously it’s not the perfect ending. It would’ve been amazing to have won a medal but we gave it a good go. I feel good.”
Follow live updates from Roland Garros and the latest tennis scores and results:
Andy Murray and Dan Evans: Latest scores and tennis updates
Andy Murray’s tennis career is over following defeat in Olympics men’s doubles
Murray and Evans beaten by Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul in quarter-finals
Murray in tears at leaving court for final time
Olympics tennis order of play and schedule - 1 August
Thank you Andy Murray, for what you have done for Dunblane
Thursday 1 August 2024 23:00 , Karl Matchett
Andy Murray didn’t put Dunblane on the map. It was already there, sitting quietly between Stirling and Perthshire in central Scotland, when a sleepy town home to a few thousand people became the scene of Britain’s deadliest mass shooting. Murray was eight, his older brother Jamie 10, when on 13 March 1996 a gunman broke into the gym hall at Dunblane Primary School and killed 16 children aged between five and six and their teacher.
Both Andy and Jamie are survivors of the Dunblane massacre. Andy’s class had been on their way to the gym hall when the first shots were heard and they were taken to hide in the headmaster’s office, sheltering underneath a window. Their mother, Judy Murray, later revealed how she raced to the school to join the hundreds of parents gathered at the gates on the Doune Road, not knowing if their children were alive or dead, all fearing the worst.
Jamie Braidwood on an extraordinary part of Andy Murray’s life:
Thank you Andy Murray, for what you have done for Dunblane
Andy Murray retires after Team GB Olympics defeat
Thursday 1 August 2024 22:50 , Karl Matchett
More from Murray as he retires from tennis:
“I don’t feel like I’m the person to say what my legacy is. I just know that I gave as much as I could to the sport, I loved competing in the Olympics and for my country, these weeks are so special, and I’ll definitely miss them.
“It would have been a fairytale ending to win a medal, but it just wasn’t to be. I’ve been proud to be part of Team GB over the last 20 years, and definitely will miss it.
“I have four children that are below the age of eight. Lie-ins don’t happen anymore unfortunately. They’re early risers.
“I don’t know what I’ll do tonight, probably go back to the village and find a few pins for my collection, and then I don’t know. I want to go home, spend time with my family, and I don’t know what the next chapter is going to look like, I haven’t decided.”
Doubles partner for Team GB, Dan Evans, added:
“I think I said congrats on the career, get out there, enjoy and take it in from the crowd, [because] it’s exactly what he deserves for what he’s done for tennis. Just a pleasure to finish up with him.
“Today wasn’t out best day, we prepared really well, we committed, and we had fun along the way.”
Andy Murray retires after Team GB Olympics defeat
Thursday 1 August 2024 22:44 , Karl Matchett
Andy Murray speaking after defeat at the Paris Olympics in the final match of his career:
“It was a great run, we lost to two top players today. We’d have had to play very well to win that match, and we didn’t. Certainly from my side, if we could’ve found that form earlier, we could’ve cause them some problems, but it wasn’t to be. We did well to make the quarters, but it’s disappointing.
“I feel good. I’ve been ready for this moment for the last few months, since I had the operation on my back after Queens. I knew it was the right time – I feel lucky that I was able to come to compete here.
“I’m really grateful to Dan for putting in the effort that he did and preparing as best he could. I’m looking forward to stopping now”.
Andy Murray retires after Team GB Olympics defeat
Thursday 1 August 2024 22:30 , Karl Matchett
Don’t imagine for a second that this is going to be the end of the Andy Murray appreciation tweets, messages and articles...but goodness me, he’s been through the occasions, the matches and the moments to deserve each and everyone one.
The big names, the big memories, the big impacts...they are all pretty well captured right here.
You made us dream.
You made us believe.
You made us cry.
And you made us proud. pic.twitter.com/yNsnkEsEhc— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 4, 2024
Andy Murray retires as a legend with a difference after Paris Olympics heroics
Thursday 1 August 2024 22:00 , Karl Matchett
In his final days as a professional tennis player, Andy Murray developed a new obsession. Keen to soak in every moment he could as he arrived at his fifth Olympics in Paris and last ever tennis tournament, Murray set out with the objective of gathering the largest collection of Olympic pins within Team GB, taking the opportunity to trade with as many athletes with different nations as he could to build the largest set.
Murray, it turns out, was pretty good at it, although it helps when you carry such fame around the Olympic village. Within days, he managed to boast the largest pin collection out of Team GB’s 327 athletes in Paris, lending a favour from gymnast Becky Downie to gather one of the most coveted, that of Simone Biles. Murray, though, was not satisfied until he had found one of the rarest of country pins. He set himself the goal of tracking down Liechtenstein, searching the village high and low until he eventually located the country’s sole athlete in Paris, a mountain biker named Romano Puetener. When Murray returned to his teammates with the Liechtenstein pin in hand, he celebrated as if he was grasping a gold medal.
Right up until the final moments of his career, Murray’s competitive streak remained as strong as ever.
Andy Murray retires as a legend with a difference after Paris Olympics heroics
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 2-6 4-6 Fritz-Paul - GB EXIT, ANDY MURRAY’S CAREER COMES TO AN END
Thursday 1 August 2024 21:30 , Karl Matchett
No speech, no ceremony, no prolonged farewell this time - Andy Murray exits stage left for the final time after defeat in the Olympics quarter-finals.
The tennis legend signs a few items on his way out for the last time to a final few lucky fans and it’s all over for the Scot.
An emotional farewell from Andy Murray 🥹
Thank you, Andy ❤
#Olympics #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/MO01RB7iyh— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 1, 2024
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 2-6 4-6 Fritz-Paul - GB EXIT, ANDY MURRAY’S CAREER COMES TO AN END
Thursday 1 August 2024 21:15 , Karl Matchett
An announcement from the LTA upon Andy Murray’s retirement:
Immediately we are today announcing that from 2025 the centre court seating arena at the LTA’s London Championships held at The Queen’s Club will be known as “The Andy Murray Arena”.
Andy has a special relationship with the tournament, having won the event more than any other in his career, and more times than any other player in the Championships’ 123-year history. The new name for the arena will be used at both the WTA 500 and ATP 500 events to be held at the venue from 2025.
A great honour for the Scot and due recognition for his achievements and influence.
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 2-6 4-6 Fritz-Paul - GB EXIT, ANDY MURRAY’S CAREER COMES TO AN END
Thursday 1 August 2024 21:00 , Karl Matchett
Just to catch you up from elsewhere in the tennis today:
Novak Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets, 6-3 7-6 - he’s into the singles semis to face Lorenzo Musetti.
Carlos Alcaraz and Felix Auger-Aliassime will face off in the other men’s singles last-four encounter.
In the women’s singles, Anna Karolina Schmiedlova has just begun against Donna Vekic, it’s 2-2 between Slovakian and Croatian there on Philippe Chatrier.
The big story though is the exit of Great Britain from the men’s doubles, Andy Murray and Dan Evans losing to Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul of USA - and Murray retiring as a result.
Andy Murray reaches the end at last as Olympics defeat brings retirement
Thursday 1 August 2024 20:52 , Karl Matchett
Andy Murray has played his final tennis match after bowing out of the Olympics men’s doubles with Dan Evans in a quarter-finals defeat to the American pair Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.
Murray and Evans had saved seven match points across two extraordinary comebacks to fuel an incredible run in Paris that postponed the 37-year-old’s retirement by a few days.
But with a shot at an Olympics medal suddenly within reach, Fritz and Paul were a step up in class. The Americans won 6-2 6-4 to reach the semi-finals and end Murray’s historic career, despite a spirited last effort when all looked lost to save one more match point.
Murray received a standing ovation and was emotional as he left the court for the final time.
Jamie Braidwood at Roland Garros:
Andy Murray reaches the end at last as Olympics defeat brings retirement
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 2-6 4-6 Fritz-Paul - GB EXIT, ANDY MURRAY’S CAREER COMES TO AN END
Thursday 1 August 2024 20:45 , Karl Matchett
There was perhaps just a glimmer this time, just a hint of the possibility of one last comeback, one last moment of magic - but in truth it was a step too far in terms of quality with the US pair today.
Fritz and Paul were too consistent, too good and too powerful and although a couple of breaks in the second set meant it was far from a disgrace, there just wasn’t quite enough from Murray and Evans today to keep their Olympic dream going - or Murray’s career.
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 2-6 4-6 Fritz-Paul - GB EXIT, ANDY MURRAY’S CAREER COMES TO AN END
Thursday 1 August 2024 20:39 , Karl Matchett
TEAM GB ELIMINATED, ANDY MURRAY RETIRES
All or nothing time then. Taylor Fritz to serve - and Evans’ immediate reply wins the first point, Paul unable to angle his volley over the net. He certainly finds his mark on the second, volleying firmly between the Brits for 15-15, then Evans goes long on his next reply.
Murray thinks he’s hit a winner then as Fritz misjudges it, but it’s called fractionally out and the umpire comes down to check. 40-15, two match points.
And that’s it - Evans can’t keep his next shot in and it’s game, set and match to Fritz and Paul...and the end of Andy Murray’s career.
USA win 6-2 6-4, GB exit and Murray’s almost 20-year career draws to a close.
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 2-6 4-5 Fritz-Paul*
Thursday 1 August 2024 20:35 , Karl Matchett
Now, can they hold serve and get back to within a game? Still a long road ahead and they would need an immediate second break, but one step at a time.
Fritz and Paul know they’ll need to raise it now and not let Murray and Evans get the momentum and energy up here.
A fine passing shot from Fritz makes it 15-15, but Paul’s next reply is long. Murray can’t reach the next one and it’s left to Evans to again put three shots in a row against Paul to dominate the game and put GB 40-30 up.
This is a big moment, perhaps - if they can close to a game, the pressure will transfer to USA and that psychological aspect of GB’s continual comebacks... could just play a part.
They hold, they win the game, they are within one, but US will serve for the match.
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 2-6 3-5 Fritz-Paul*
Thursday 1 August 2024 20:30 , Karl Matchett
Third break point and the yells are just that little bit louder, holding that little more conviction each time...but they cannot quite get over the line - brilliant double-handed backhand volley from Fritz this time to rescue a shot which looked beyond him and we’re back to deuce once more.
Not for long, though, and it’s a fourth break point - can Evans and Murray find a way to seal the game this time?
Nope. Fritz volleys past Evans after Murray’s return, fifth deuce of this game..and fifth break point as Evans lobs, Murray leaps across to smash the point.
And this time it holds! Fritz bounds left and hammers a backhand straight out of play - one break back and Great Britain are still just about in it.
Olympics tennis: *Murray-Evans 2-6 2-5 Fritz-Paul
Thursday 1 August 2024 20:26 , Karl Matchett
Here we go then, possibly the very final game of Andy Murray’s career. When his Olympics comes to an end, so too does his career.
Tommy Paul serving and the first start is good. Two quickfire points - then he fires a reply long himself.
Still, GB force the issue and make it as uncomfortable as possible as long as they can, a long and high-energy rally ending in Evans just unable to react quickly enough to a volley for 40-30 and match point.
Paul serves, Murray replies - and then fires a great volley past for deuce! That’s the first match point USA were joking about needing to win...
A brilliant volley rally then ensues with all four involved and - yep, GB edge it to go to break point! What a brilliant point.
Excellent response from Paul though to smash a volley between the British pair on the next point, but Evans hits one against Fritz for another advantage break point. Fantastic passing shot from Paul once more and we’re back to deuce!
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 2-5 Fritz-Paul* (2-6)
Thursday 1 August 2024 20:18 , Karl Matchett
Murray’s turn to yell out in frustration as his attempted backhand dropshot doesn’t have anywhere near enough lift to clear the net.
“Andy, Andy” cries emerge from the stands as the home crowd appear to back the Brits, but another shot from the Scot clears the baseline and it’s three break points once more for USA.
Murray blows out his cheeks, fires one in which is called out...and double faults.
It’s almost all over.
Olympics tennis: *Murray-Evans 2-4 Fritz-Paul (2-6)
Thursday 1 August 2024 20:15 , Karl Matchett
Well, well. Two points won by Evans in a row to spin this game around and it’s 30-40...they couldn’t, could they?! Not again surely!
A first break point for the British pair - and Evans fires a volley between Fritz’s legs and there are wild cheers from fans and players alike!
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 1-4 Fritz-Paul* (2-6)
Thursday 1 August 2024 20:12 , Karl Matchett
Two volleys at the net and it’s the same old story - missed chances and not quite with the timing on Murray and Evans’ side.
USA get another service break under their belts and it’s looking very much a done deal here.
Andy Murray, of course, will be retiring after his Olympics comes to an end...which looks sooner rather than later at this stage.
Olympics tennis: *Murray-Evans 1-3 Fritz-Paul (2-6)
Thursday 1 August 2024 20:07 , Karl Matchett
Time to pull out something big pretty soon if the British dream is going to continue - they haven’t come close to breaking USA’s serve so far tonight.
Murray tries a forehand passer but Fritz simply volleys back into the empty space; Paul’s next serve is returned by Evans past Fritz...but an inch or two beyond the line.
A fierce pair of backhands from Paul almost finishes the job but Evans just about gets enough on a volley return to claw back one point, then forces another with a fizzing forehand forcing Fritz to go long. 40-30, but that’s as good as it gets as Evans sends another volley at the net far too long.
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 1-2 Fritz-Paul* (2-6)
Thursday 1 August 2024 20:03 , Karl Matchett
No respite for GB despite that stronger service game and it’s just a couple of minutes for Fritz to hold his own serve too, game to love.
Murray back on serve now but again it’s just too good from Fritz again, a brilliant passing shot which flies past the Scot and hugs the line for 0-30.
Evans then misses his volley at the net and shows a moment of frustration, almost belting the ball away into the crowd before catching himself last second.
Three break points for USA - they only need two.
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 1-0 Fritz-Paul* (2-6)
Thursday 1 August 2024 19:59 , Karl Matchett
A set down, GB need a response - but they’ve been here before, of course. No panic stations from Evans and Murray, you imagine.
However, they cannot afford to start dropping their service games again in this set - a big roar from Evans, serving, as they go 30-15 up.
Two volleys from Murray keeps the Americans honest and Paul, certainly the looser of the two US athletes tonight, puts another into the net - and they win the next point too, to lead 1-0. First time they’re ahead tonight.
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 2-6 Fritz-Paul* - SET!
Thursday 1 August 2024 19:51 , Jamie Braidwood
Too good from Fritz and Paul, and that’s a quick first set at just 31 minutes.
Paul finds a lovely angled winner to get the game rolling, and a poor floated backhand from Murray brings up set point.
Fritz snaps up a volley at the net to take the set.
Team GB need a comeback - but we’ve been here before haven’t we?
Team USA look a step too good and here though.
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 2-5 Fritz-Paul*
Thursday 1 August 2024 19:49 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray manages to hold serve and force Paul to serve out the set for the Americans, although they will have two chances to do so.
A couple of leaping volleys from Evans helps Murray here as the Team GB pair hold and move to 2-5.
Olympics tennis: *Murray-Evans 1-5 Fritz-Paul
Thursday 1 August 2024 19:48 , Jamie Braidwood
It’s all a bit flat in the stands as Fritz cruises through his service game, bombing down a couple of big serves.
Murray looks to fire himself up as he punches his fist when Fritz double-faults, and it’s followed by a nervy volley from the American.
But he steadies to move one game away from the set.
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 1-4 Fritz-Paul*
Thursday 1 August 2024 19:41 , Karl Matchett
Dan Evans back on service now and a double fault isn’t a help - the first of the match. No aces yet for either side.
Everything feels very forced for Team GB so far and it’s not quite clicking - all more smooth and easy for the Americans at this point.
Murray smashes one into the ground and that’s a 40-30 lead for Britain...and a first big ace from Evans to land their first game!
A big cheer from the stands and it’s 4-1.
Olympics tennis: *Murray-Evans 0-4 Fritz-Paul
Thursday 1 August 2024 19:38 , Karl Matchett
Uncharacteristic unforced error from Paul as he sends a routine backhand into the net for 30-30 on his service game, but Fritz is quick to leap and volley into the tramlines. Murray then skids his way across the clay to force the American into a long volley for deuce, but it’s not a full respite.
Murray and Evans really need to get themselves on the board on their own service just to build some confidence ahead of the second set, as this first one is already away from them.
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 0-3 Fritz-Paul*
Thursday 1 August 2024 19:32 , Karl Matchett
Evans and Murray just talking themselves into things now, trying to pump each other up.
Let’s be honest, they aren’t exactly strangers to needing a comeback this summer!
A long way to go but they’ve not been able to assert themselves just yet on the first set.
Murray’s first serves are heading into the net but GB get it back to 30-30 initially, but a brilliant backhand volley from Paul leaves the Scot very short at the net and he can’t quite flick it back over.
Team USA take another game and they are looking rampant early on.
Olympics tennis: *Murray-Evans 0-2 Fritz-Paul (*next to serve)
Thursday 1 August 2024 19:28 , Karl Matchett
Two big hits from Fritz are too much for Evans and Murray to return. The third sees a volley rally at the net ensue and Evans does the business to win back a point, but it’s only a brief respite as Paul is on hand to win his own at the net - and then repeat the feat for a very quick 2-0.
Olympics tennis: Murray-Evans 0-1 Fritz-Paul*
Thursday 1 August 2024 19:25 , Karl Matchett
Here we go! Team GB serve first and Murray tucks away the first point with a neat volley at the net.
Evans is serving first and is hitting nicely, a few returns going right across his man - but Paul is in place to volley and put US back in the game.
The next rally goes long from Evans and it’s an early break point for USA; Murray gives the hand signal behind his back but it’s a brilliant winner from Fritz and he fizzes a winner to force a break in the very first game.
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray and Dan Evans in doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 19:21 , Karl Matchett
A few warm-up services for each, almost good to go.
The winners tonight will play Australia’s pair of Matthew Ebden and John Peers, won won 7-6 7-6 yesterday against German opposition.
We’re about to get underway!
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray set for doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 19:16 , Karl Matchett
And here they are - the quartet are out on court and we will soon be underway!
Time for a warmup; Team USA in red shirts, Team GB in navy blue.
It’s impossible to ignore that every time he takes to the court in Paris, it could be Andy Murray’s last-ever match, as he’ll retire thereafter. He, and Dan Evans, need to win tonight to ensure he has a chance at a fourth Olympic medal.
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray set for doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 19:08 , Jamie Braidwood at Roland Garros
They are opening up the roof on Suzanne-Lenglen after it was closed for the previous match between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Casper Ruud.
The crowd has emptied after that two-and-a-half hour epic in the men’s singles, but there are some Union Jacks and Saltires out among the fans who remain.
To be honest, the crowds for Murray’s matches have been poor so far, with Suzanne-Lenglen barely half-full for both of their matches so far.
In the second row at the far end, Billie Jean King has taken her seat for what could be the final match of Murray’s historic career. She’ll be cheering on the Americans, though.
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray set for doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 19:01 , Karl Matchett
Up next...you know what it’s time for!
Andy Murray and Dan Evans for Team GB will be playing in the men’s doubles quarter-finals, facing Team USA’s Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.
They should be out on court for warm-ups very soon.
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray set for doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 18:57 , Karl Matchett
Here we go then, can he hold his nerve this time? In the second set when opportunity knocked, Felix Auger-Aliassine didn’t quite open the door well enough.
Ruud with a long effort well out of play gives the Canadaian scope for a little fist pump - but a bit too much adrenaline perhaps, as he then strikes long unforced himself for 30-30.
Another powerful serve keeps him controlling the next point and Ruud sends it into the net - a third match point for the Canadian now, and on his own serve.
Can he finally wrap it up?
He can! One more long return from Ruud and Canada have their man through to the semi-finals! Felix Auger-Aliassime wins, 6-4 6-7 6-3.
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray set for doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 18:51 , Karl Matchett
Auguer-Aliassine trying to force the issue a bit at the start of Ruud’s service game but goes long on one, then the Norwegian gets the fortune off a net clip for 30-0.
The Canadian fights back to level it all up though and then finds a brilliant passing shot - it’s match point for him and Ruud does finally look beaten here now with his facial expressions.
He rescues for deuce and does take the game but now it’ll be serving for game, set and match for Auger-Aliassime.
Meanwhile, Djokovic has gone 5-2 up in the first set against Tsitsipas, looking well on course to take his first set there.
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray set for doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 18:44 , Karl Matchett
Ruud gets the business done for 4-2. Not quite as routine as he’d like but he forced Auger-Aliassime wide several times and allowed a good recovery to drift out behind the baseline too to take the game.
Now, the Canadian’s turn - win two more of his own service games in a row and he’s there into the semis.
One attempted passing shot from Ruud goes wide down the line for 30-0, then it’s a great effort to send Ruud left then back to the right and it’s 40-0.
This is exactly as he’d want - not putting himself under pressure unnecessarily. Massive ace down the centre line and it’s 5-2!
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray set for doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 18:38 , Karl Matchett
Casper Ruud did react to hold his serve but the big-hitting Canadian comes right back and blitzes his way to 4-1 up. All in his own hands at this stage and as long as he keeps consistency in the face of pressure this time around, he’ll be extremely close to a shot at a medal.
Ruud to serve and with it all to do. No margin for error now for him.
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray set for doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 18:31 , Karl Matchett
Third set has started brilliantly for Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Canadian held his own, broke Ruud’s serve and is now firmly on course to go 3-0 up after some big early serves and a couple of really neat passing shots.
A double fault for 30-15 is a bit of a blip but he soon sorts his way and sees out his service game to take a huge step toward the semi-finals.
Time for Ruud to show those battling qualities once more if he wants to stay in the match.
Olympics 2024: Fighting talk from Tommy Paul ahead of facing Andy Murray
Thursday 1 August 2024 18:23 , Jamie Braidwood
Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz, the opponents facing Andy Murray and Dan Evans later, have been busy at these Olympics.
Yesterday Fritz played in all three formats in one day, losing in the singles, losing in the mixed doubles, but winning in the men’s doubles with Paul ,
Paul has already been in action today, losing in two sets to French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz,
Paul reportedly had this to say this to to American network NBC ahead of facing Murray and Evans tonight.
“I think it’s Andy’s last event. Hopefully we can retire him, that would be pretty cool.
“But they’ve been saving match points left and right. We’ve got to take care of the first match point because if they get that one…”
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray set for doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 18:19 , Karl Matchett
Earlier today in the men’s singles, Carlos Alcaraz beat Tommy Paul - one of Murray’s doubles opponents - in straight sets, while right now on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Novak Djokovic has just started his own quarter-final against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The Serb, seeking that elusive Olympic gold, has won the first game but it’s very early days there. The winner from that tie plays Lorenzo Mussetti of Italy in the semis, with Alcaraz awaiting either Casper Ruud or Felix Auger-Aliassime, who have just now started their third set.
We’ll dovetail our updates here between the two men’s quarter-final ties.
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray set for doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 18:14 , Karl Matchett
Now, if you’re awaiting the Dan Evans and Andy Murray game, that set win for Ruud means the Team GB duo are going to be quite some time yet before they get out on court, so perhaps 7pm BST is the earliest we can expect to find them out and getting ready.
Of course that’s going to continue to depend on how matters progress here.
Third set coming up.
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray set for doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 18:08 , Karl Matchett
An ace for Ruud puts him back in front but he’d really have rathered it came one serve back - that would have been the set.
No matter: the Norwegian shows a brilliant, gutsy, energetic side to his game to win the longest rally in quite some time, fighting back more than once to finally find a backhander into the corner and it’s one set apiece!
Murray and Evans must continue to wait.
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray set for doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 18:05 , Karl Matchett
And he gives the point back! A forehand clips the net and bounces up ...and down on the wrong side of the court as far as the No6 seed is concerned.
5-4 to Auger-Aliassime who is back in control and...immediately double-faults on his first serve.
Pressure really getting to both perhaps!
A fizzing long one from Ruud clears the baseline for 6-5 and it’s match point...but Ruud’s own serve up now. Needs to hold both this time.
He just about wins the first with both players really looking nervy, an error of judgement it seems from the Canadian this time; much more routine for him to go 7-6 up, ahead in the tie break for the first time, as Auger-Aliassime hits the return long.
Pressure transferred back to him as he starts his own service, but he responds with a massive ace for 7-7.
And yet, the consistency has gone: the next serve is returned and Auger-Aliassime hits it wild and long! Set point for Ruud now on his own service: nope. Into the net and on we go at 8-8.
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray set for doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 17:58 , Karl Matchett
Ruud keeps himself in touch with two brief services, winning both, then it’s back to Auger-Aliassime, who has the match in his own hands at this point.
Not for long though - brilliant passing winner from Ruud to win back a point, gambling early that Auger-Aliassime would go across court to his forehand.
Next he tries a drifting drop shot to catch his opponent behind the baseline...but it doesn’t quite have the height to clear the net. 4-3 to Auger-Aliassime and Ruud’s back on service.
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray set for doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 17:55 , Karl Matchett
Much better service game from the Canadian this time and he levels up for 6-6.
Onto a tie-breaker we go!
Auger-Aliassime keeps the momentum going and takes the first point. A huge serve is too wide for Ruud to reach cleanly and it’s a two-point lead, then thinks he has an ace - it’s just out though. Again that powerful forehand is on show though to keep his Norwegian opponent running wide and it’s a 3-0 tiebreak lead.
Olympics - tennis: Andy Murray set for doubles quarter-finals
Thursday 1 August 2024 17:51 , Karl Matchett
Casper Ruud takes the game after a back-and-forth struggle - a huge one for him to hold his own serve in.
Minutes later and two fantastic forehand passing shots have him ahead in the set and looking to level matters up.
Auger-Aliassime has just lost his composure a little here and needs to reset himself.
Andy Murray saw the end. Instead, he and Dan Evans wrote a different Olympics script
Thursday 1 August 2024 16:50 , Chris Wilson
This was the report from Murray and Evans’ first match at Roland Garros...
There is no perfect way to call time, no method of looking into the future to see the end of the script that has been written for you. Except, in a way, there is: “The final match of Andy Murray’s career came in a painful defeat in the Olympics men’s doubles, alongside Dan Evans on a half-full court at Roland Garros,” wrote a certain reporter, sitting in the stands at Suzanne-Lenglen. “Despite a late rally to force a deciding tiebreak, Murray and Evans were an inexperienced doubles pair and it showed in a 6-2 6-7 (5-7) (10/4) first-round defeat to Japan’s Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel,” the draft continued, waiting to be sent.
That was on the first match point. Then came the next. And another. Until, somehow, Murray and Evans had saved all five, ripping up the reports that had already been written about them. Not yet. Not tonight. Instead, Murray extended his career and his final tournament at Paris 2024. Alongside Evans, the Team GB pairing produced one of the most remarkable escape acts to win 2-6 7-6 (7-5) (11/9) a unique scoreline to mark one of the most extraordinary matches of the 37-year-old Murray’s career, even though we are now past the point where, logically, it should have come to an end.
Andy Murray saw the end. Instead, he and Dan Evans wrote a different Olympics script
Olympics tennis order of play and schedule: Every event, date and start time at Paris 2024
Thursday 1 August 2024 16:35 , Chris Wilson
An updated order of play...
Novak Djokovic takes on Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the Olympics semi-finals with Carlos Alcaraz already through and Iga Swiatek having lost to China’s Qinwen Zheng.
Djokovic continues his bid to win a first Olympics gold medal at the age of 37, in what is the only major title the 24-time grand slam champion is yet to win.
He remains on a collision course with French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz, who beat American Tommy Paul 6-3, 7-6 (9-7) on Philippe-Chatrier.
Olympics tennis order of play including Andy Murray and and Novak Djokovic
Men’s Singles quarter-finals: Ruud 2-2 Auger-Aliassime
Thursday 1 August 2024 16:29 , Chris Wilson
2-2 in the first set of quarter-final number three between Norwegian Casper Ruud and Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. Both have held serve to start with.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s Olympic dream ended to leave uncertain future
Thursday 1 August 2024 16:25 , Chris Wilson
A reminder of how Nadal and Alcaraz exited the men’s doubles yesterday.
Rafael Nadal revealed he is unlikely to play the US Open as he dropped his strongest hint yet that his career could very soon be at an end.
Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s crowd-pleasing run in the men’s doubles at the Olympics came to an end with a 6-2 6-4 loss to American fourth seeds Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram.
The 14-time French Open champion gave a lingering wave to all sides of Court Philippe Chatrier, but it seems very likely not to be just Roland Garros that does not see Nadal on court again.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s Olympic dream ended to leave uncertain future
Dan Evans praised for selfless act that enabled Andy Murray’s Olympics run
Thursday 1 August 2024 16:15 , Chris Wilson
Ahead of Murray and Evans facing the US pair, a little preview...
Dan Evans has been praised for sacrificing rankins points to play at the Olympics and help extend Andy Murray’s career.
Evans and Murray have been on a wild ride in the men’s doubles in Parisand play Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals today.
Murray dropped out of the singles competition and confirmed before the Olympics that the Games would be the final tournament of his historic career at the age of 37.
Evans, 34, also played in singles, losing in the second round, but in appearing at the Olympics the Birmingham player has given up the defence of his Washington title won last August.
Dan Evans praised for selfless act that enabled Andy Murray’s Olympics run
Men’s Singles Quarter-final: Zverev 5-7, 5-7 Musetti: MUSETTI GOES THROUGH TO THE SEMI-FINALS
Thursday 1 August 2024 15:48 , Chris Wilson
Lorenzo Musetti has dumped German third seed Alexander Zverev out at the quarter-final stage!
Musetti, who has lost to Novak Djokovic at both Wimbledon and the French Open this year, may now face the Serbian in the Olympic semi-finals after dispatching Zverev 7-5, 7-5 on Suzanne-Lenglen!
Elsewhere at Roland Garros
Thursday 1 August 2024 15:41 , Chris Wilson
The other men’s singles quarter final between Zverev and Musetti is at 5-7, 5-6 – Musetti gets the break and will serve for a place in the semi-finals!
In the men’s doubles, US pair Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram have booked their place in the final with a victory over the Czech duo of Tomas Machak and Adam Pavlasek, after a 6-2, 6-2 win.
Casper Ruud vs Felix Auger-Aliassime is up next on Suzanne-Lenglen, before Murray and Evans take to the court once more. It’ll be a fairly quick turnaround for Tommy Paul, there.
The final men’s quarter-final is scheduled for around 6pm BST on Philippe-Chatrier – that’ll be between Djokovic and Tsitsipas.
Men’s Singles Quarter-final: Alcaraz 6-3, 6-6 (9-7) Paul – ALCARAZ GOES THROUGH TO THE SEMI-FINALS
Thursday 1 August 2024 15:34 , Chris Wilson
Paul wins the next point to take us to 7-6 and match point, but Alcaraz somehow reaches a backhand in the back corner of the court to take it to 7-7.
A straightforward volley from the Spaniard gives him another match point, and he wraps it up moments later with a bachand towards the baseline that forces the error from Paul!
A valiant effort from the American but he has fallen to the second seed, and the Spaniard will compete for a medal at Paris 2024!
Was it ever in doubt?
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s Olympic dream ended to leave uncertain future
Thursday 1 August 2024 13:52 , Luke Baker
Rafael Nadal revealed he is unlikely to play the US Open as he dropped his strongest hint yet that his career could very soon be at an end.
Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s crowd-pleasing run in the men’s doubles at the Olympics came to an end with a 6-2 6-4 loss to American fourth seeds Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram.
The 14-time French Open champion gave a lingering wave to all sides of Court Philippe Chatrier, but it seems very likely not to be just Roland Garros that does not see Nadal on court again.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s Olympic dream ended to leave uncertain future
Olympics 2024: Boulter and watson see women’s doubles run end
Thursday 1 August 2024 13:25 , Luke Baker
Hopefully not a bad omen for Britain’s other pair in Olympics doubles action today but Heather Watson and Katie Boulter have exited the women’s doubles at the quarter-final stage as they go down 6-3. 6-1 to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani.
Not to be for Boulter and Watson.