Andy Murray has prioritized doubles in a bid to win a medal at the Olympic games after withdrawing from singles.
The two-time defending gold medallist was due to play Felix Auger-Aliassime on Sunday but decided to withdraw.
Another heart-breaking decision by Murray after multiple injuries this season and was looking to prove his match fitness after reaching the third round at Wimbledon.
The official reason was a thigh strain and in a statement the Brit revealed that medical staff had advised against playing both singles and doubles, “I am really disappointed at having to withdraw but the medical staff have advised me against playing in both events, so I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the singles and focus on playing doubles with Joe,” Murray said in a statement.
It’s a decision that was tough to make but was a smart decision as Murray looks to win his fourth Olympic medal.
In their first round match Murray and Joe Salisbury convincingly beat second seeds Pierre-Hughes Herbert and Nicolas Mahut just dropping five games.
Now the British duo will face German pair Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in the second round.
Meanwhile Auger-Aliassime, who was due to meet Murray, faced Australian doubles specialist Max Purcell.
However the Canadian didn’t fare much better as he suffered a shock exit at the hands of the Australian 6-4 7-6(2).
Purcell will face Dominik Koepfer or Facundo Bagnis in the second round.
