The race is on for the Olympic Gold as players make their last minute preparations ahead of the start of the tennis competition in Rio de Janeiro.
Five events featuring 172 participants will take place at the newly built Olympic Tennis Centre in Barra da Tijuca, west of Rio. Leading up the competition, the tournament has been marred by a series of high profile withdrawals due to injuries and fears concerning the Zika Virus. Despite those withdrawals, this year’s event could still set a series of historic records.
Andy Murray’s title defence
At the London 2012 Games, Andy Murray defeated Roger Federer to become the first British man to win an Olympic gold in the singles competition since Major Josiah George Ritchie in 1908. The achievement was the biggest milestone in Murray’s career at the time before he went on to win three grand slam titles, including this year’s Wimbledon crown.
“The Olympics are important to me. I loved the whole experience, both at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, where I won gold. It makes you realise just how special they are.” Murray told olympic.org.
This time round, Murray has a chance to secure his place in Olympic history forever. No man has ever been able to win back-to-back gold medals at the event. Furthermore, the defending men’s Olympic champion hasn’t even been able to reach the final in their next Olympics. The task is one that the golden boy of British tennis is relishing.
“Winning medals for your country is as good as it gets and I can’t wait to get to Rio to try and win more.” The world No.2 said earlier this year.
