Andy Murray staved off his retirement from tennis as the Scot combined with partner Dan Evans to save five match points in a struggle for survival in the opening round of the Olympic doubles tournament on Saturday.
The 37-year-old who will quit the sport when his time at the Paris Games is done, delayed the day of reckoning in superlative style as he and Evans reached the second round over the Japanese pair of Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori 2-6, 7-6(5), 11-9.
The dramatic passage of play occurred as they salvaged five consecutive Japanese match-winners from 4-9 down in the final-set match tiebreak (first to 10 points by a margin of 2).
The Asians were unable to capitalise on a lead of 6-2, 4-2 as the Brit slowly turned the tide of the contest.
“I thought we were done. Dan came up with some good returns. I came up with some good serves at 9-6 to get us to 9-8,” Murray said.
“Unbelievable. I’ve never played a doubles match like that where I saved that many consecutive match points. Special place to do it obviously.”
“Both of us have loved competing for our country over the years. We’ve been on the same Davis Cup team for many years.
“Both of us wanted to do this together and for my last tournament… I’ve loved being part of the Olympics. It’s an amazing event. It’s meant a lot to me over the years.
“To get to finish playing here one last time is extra special. I’m glad we lived to fight another day. It would’ve been disappointing to lose today. But we keep going. Let’s see when we can get to.”
Main photo:- Dan Evans and Andy Murray celebrate saving five match points coming from 4-9 down in Championship tiebreaker to progress to second round
