Former world No.1 Andy Murray has played down the chances of pairing up with brother Jamie for the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo next year.
Murray, who is the only player in history to defend an Olympic singles title, believes it could be hard for the two to join forces due to their own commitments and his own health. The Brit is currently focusing on singles as he continues his recovery from hip surgery. He is gradually working his way back up the rankings, but is currently 243rd. Meanwhile, world No.18 doubles specialist Jamie has been playing on the tour with compatriot Neal Skupski.
“It’s a difficult one because last time when I played the Olympics I just wanted to play everything – singles, doubles, mixed,” Murray said.
“Now I don’t think I’m going to do that.
“I don’t think it’s a done deal that we will play together,” he added.
“I mean he’s been doing well with Neal [Skupski]. And also if I played a match for example like I did with Alex de Minaur [in Zhuhai three weeks ago], there’s no chance I’m playing doubles after that.
“I would be useless. I was so tired at the end.”
32-year-old Murray is a three-time medallist in the Olympic Games. In 2012 he won a gold in the men’s tournament and a bronze in the mixed doubles alongside Laura Robson. Four years later in Rio de Janeiro, he defended his title after defeating Juan Martin del Potro in the final. He has played in three consecutive Olympics between 2008-2016.
However, the three-time grand slam champion and his brother hasn’t been so successful when teaming up together at the event. Losing in the first round twice and the second round once. Great Britain hasn’t medalled in the men’s doubles at the Olympics since Tim Henman and Neil Broad claimed silver back in 1996.
“We haven’t done well when we’ve played together in the Olympics,” Murray acknowledges. “Because it comes round every four years, both of us are desperate to do really well but we don’t play with each other in preparation for it so we just turn up and hope it clicks. That’s not really the right way to prepare.”
The 2020 Olympic tournament will be held at the Ariake Tennis Park, which is the venue of the Pan Pacific Open. It will take place between July 25th and August 2nd.
Murray is currently playing at the European Open in Belgium. He kicked-off his campaign with a 6-4, 7-6(4), win over Kimmer Coppejans. He will play eighth seed Pablo Cuevas on Thursday.
