Recently crowned Olympic champion Andy Murray has been left both humbled and emotional following his roller coaster win over Juan Martin del Potro in the final of the Olympic Games.
Outlasting his Argentine opponent in a four-hour classic, Murray has become the first man in history to successfully defend a Olympic title. It is the best way to end what has been an emotional experience in Rio for the world No.2. Prior to the start of the tennis tournament, he became the first British tennis player in history to carry the flag during the opening ceremony. It was a moment that will forever live in Murray’s memory.
“Getting to carry the flag during the opening ceremony was an amazing experience and I was very honoured to get the opportunity to do that.” The Wimbledon champion said.
“I found the experience quite emotional as well. I had to regroup and focus on my matches.”
In the tournament itself, the Brit endured a mixture of delight and frustration. On route to the final, he had to recover from second sets blips against Fabio Fognini and Steve Johnson. Those blips were nothing compared to his final encounter against del Potro. Murray was pushed to his mental and physical limits due to some sublime play from his opponent.
“Emotionally, it was tough, physically it was hard. So many ups and downs. It was one of the toughest matches I played to win a big event.” He said about his golden triumph.
The incredible efforts invested by del Potro in the Olympics comes just six months after he returned to the tour from a career-threatening wrist injury. It is a fairytale story for the former US Open champion and Murray was the first to pay tribute to his rival.
“It’s amazing that he has come back from it (the wrist injury), but also to get to the level he is playing.” Murray said about del Potro.
“He deserves a lot of credit for that and should be very proud because it is not an easy thing to do. “
Murray will not be celebrating his gold medal at the Olympic Village. Shortly after his historic win, the Brit got on a plane to America in order to prepare for this week’s Cincinnati Open. Currently on a 18-match winning streak since the grass-court season, the world No.2 is now casting his eyes on a second US Open title.
At this week’s Cincinnatti Masters, Murray will play either Ivo Karlovic or Juan Monaco in his first match.
