Andy Murray announced on Thursday that he will withdraw from the tennis singles competition at the Paris Olympics but will continue to compete in the doubles.
The two-time gold medalist cited ongoing recovery from recent back surgery as the reason for his decision.
Murray, a former world number one who plans to retire after his fifth Olympic Games, believes his best chance for another medal lies in the men’s doubles, where he will partner with Dan Evans.
“I’ve decided to withdraw from the singles to focus on the doubles with Dan,” said the 37-year-old Murray. “Our practice sessions have been excellent, and we’re playing well together. I’m excited to start and represent Great Britain one more time.”
Murray secured gold in singles at the London 2012 Olympics and again in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. He also won a silver medal in mixed doubles with Laura Robson in 2012.
His final singles match will be remembered as his brief second-round appearance at Queen’s Club against Jordan Thompson last month, which ended prematurely due to a spinal cyst.