Andy Murray saved the greatest comeback of his professional tennis career for his final tournament.
Today, Murray and Dan Evans saved five consecutive match points from 4-9 in the match tie-break on the way to shockingly upsetting Japan’s Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori 2-6 7-6(5) 11-9.
“We just tried to play every point at the end. I thought we were done,” Murray said. “Evo came out with some good returns. I had a couple good serves at 6-9 to get us to 8-9. Just unbelievable. I’ve never played a doubles match like that where I’ve saved that many consecutive match points. A special place to do it obviously.”
Murray and Evans were down most of the match including 2-6 2-4 but their belief never wavered. I can’t think of another example of such a thrilling, impossible comeback in what could be the final match of his life but somehow Murray achieved it today, just another defining moment in his epic career. Murray will forever be remembered as the Wimbledon, US Open, Olympic champion, world no. 1 and also the marvel who saved five match points in the last match of his pro career, to survive and advance his career another day. Just think of the heart and guts and determination Murray must have to continue playing… he showed it all today.
“I think both of us have loved competing for our country over the years. We’ve been a part of the same Davis Cup team for many years. Dan has a huge passion when he’s competing as part of a team. Both of us wanted to do this together for my last tournament,” Murray said. “I’ve loved being part of the Olympics, it’s an amazing event. It’s meant a lot to me over the years and to get to finish playing here one last time in the Olympics is extra special. Just glad we live to fight another day because it would’ve been obviously disappointing to lose today. But we keep going, let’s see where we get to.”
Up next for Murray and Evans will be either Fils and Humbert or Gille and Vliegen.
Once again, Olympic tennis has produced some magical tennis, similar to the 2004 final where Massu and Gonzalez saved six gold medal points in the fourth set trailing Kiefer and Schuettler. The Chileans ended up winning 64 in the fifth. Can Murray and Evans do it again? Fasten your seat belts.
Andy Murray · Dan Evans · Great Britain · Olympics
