Andy Murray withdrew from the tennis singles at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, but the two-time gold medalist will play doubles in what will be his final tournament.
The British former world number one, who will retire after his sixth Games, has yet to fully recuperate from back surgery last month.
He believes the men’s doubles, where he will compete alongside Dan Evans, is his best opportunity of winning another medal.
“I’ve taken the decision to withdraw from the singles to concentrate on the doubles with Dan,” said the 37-year-old.
“Our practice has been great and we’re playing well together. Really looking forward to getting started and representing GB one more time.”
Murray won gold in singles in London 2012 and again in Rio four years later, as well as silver in mixed doubles with Laura Robson in 2012.
His final singles encounter was a brief second-round appearance against Jordan Thompson at Queen’s Club last month, which he had to withdraw from due to a spine cyst.
The Scot said earlier this week that he will retire following the Paris Olympics.
“The Olympics are incredibly special for me, had some amazing memories on the court in London in 2012,” he said at Roland Garros on Thursday.
“Playing at home and winning medals was unbelievable. I am happy to do it one more time to compete for my country.
“I trained the last few weeks to get myself ready to play singles and doubles but I am getting older and it’s harder to recover from all the injuries. I just ran out of time. But I am happy to be in the doubles with Dan — we can have a good run.”
Injuries
Murray has been plagued by injuries in recent years, dropping to 121st in the world.
He has been playing with a metal hip since 2019 and sustained ankle injuries earlier this year.
Murray was only physically fit enough to play doubles with his brother, Jamie, at Wimbledon this month.
In 2013, the three-time Grand Slam champion ended Britain’s 77-year drought for a men’s Wimbledon champion, defeating rival Novak Djokovic in the final.
He won a second major victory in 2016, bringing his career total to three after breaking his duck at the 2012 US Open.
Murray won gold at the 2012 Olympics on an emotional day at the All England Club, defeating Roger Federer just weeks after losing the Wimbledon final to the Swiss on Centre Court.
Four years later, he defeated Juan Martin del Potro, becoming the first male or female tennis player to win two Olympic singles gold medals.
Murray also led Britain to its first Davis Cup triumph in 79 years, in 2015.
He has won 46 titles in total, earning around $65 million in prize money.