Murray and Evans safe exceptional victory to increase his profession

Andy Murray remarkably extended his tennis career for at least another game after a stunning victory with partner Dan Evans at the Olympics.

The Brits looked certain to be heading out in the first round in Paris after losing the first set 6-2 to their little-known Japanese opponents Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel, before they were also 4-2 down in the second set.

But, as he has done multiple times throughout his glittering career, Murray – who announced he would retire after the Olympics – summoned all of his heart and bravery as they fought back to win the set 7-6 (7-5).

This sent the match to a 10-point champions tie-break to settle the tie and the Brits found themselves 9-4 down and again staring down the barrel.

Yet, they saved five match points in a row before then winning a further two to triumph and ensure Murray would have at least one more game of tennis before retiring. 

Andy Murray remarkably extended his tennis career for at least another game after a stunning victory with partner Dan Evans in the first round at the Olympics in Paris on Sunday night

British pair Evans and Murray saved five match points before triumphing in dramatic fashion

It ensures Murray – who will retire after the Olympics – will play at least one more game 

Their victory beggared belief and sparked jubilant scenes among a buoyant, if sparse crowd, at Roland Garros as Evans and Murray looked at each other in shock.

Murray fans whooped with delight as their hero came back from the dead to resurrect his career.

Quentin Milner, 60, from Exeter, said: ‘He is such an amazing tennis player and a wonderful sportsman

‘Andy has bought so much joy to our country and to the world, it would’ve been so very sad if he had gone out in front of this very small crowd.

‘I’m ecstatic that he will play again. Nobody wants to see the end of Andy Murray’s career, but I suppose he has made his mind up that it will be this week.’

His wife Georgia added: ‘They should have put his game on earlier and they would’ve been a proper crowd to recognise for a wonderful tennis player he has been. But I’m so happy that it is not over tonight.’

Alicia Morgan-Mace, 28, from Watford, said: ‘My heart was almost out of my body when the Japanese were for five points ahead with only only one more points to win.

‘But that is Andy Murray for you. He just never gives up. Ever.’

Murray was so thrilled that he stripped off his Team GB shirt and gave it to a fan after emerging again to thank the pockets of supporters who remained

Murray’s devoted mother Judy was at court side and she looked on in pride. But within 30 minutes of the clash her son was halfway to retirement with the loss of the first set 2-6 and his serve twice, and even she had doubts about the 37-year-old.

‘I was mentally working out which flight I would get home tonight,’ she told BBC Sport.

‘But you can never write him off.’

Murray and Evans defeated the little-known Japanese pairing of Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel

Murray kept his hopes alive of a fairytale ending to his career after the improbable rescue act

Murray and Evans looked rusty as a pairing, but grew as the clash went on, with the atmosphere building throughout until the dramatic ending saw the crowd erupt. 

The two-time Olympic champion had hoped to compete in the singles in Paris , but he had to drop out due to fitness uses and instead focus on the doubles.

It means Murray’s last ever singles match of his career was against Jordan Thompson in the second round at Queen’s in June, when he had to retire because of a back injury. 

But, with Sunday’s victory, the two-time Wimbledon and one-time US Open champion maintained his chances of a fairytale ending, with Murray and Evans scarcely believably marching onto round two.

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