“I just didn’t want to end his career,” Dan Evans and Andy Murray react to epic five-match point saves to continue dreaming at the Olympics
In the post-match interview, Murray and Evans were still amazed by the dramatic turn of events.
Follow Us
Dan Evans and Andy Murray (Via Imago)
The British duo of Dan Evans and Andy Murray showcased phenomenal tennis on Sunday night (July 28th) at the ongoing Paris Olympics. It was an emotional match for Murray, who was competing in his last-ever professional tournament. He had previously announced that his ailing body would only allow him to continue playing doubles, marking the end of his singles career.
With only one dream left at the Olympics to win a medal despite not being in the best form, Murray and Evans took it to their first match and played tight tennis to save their position in the tournament. The Brits were up against the formidable Japanese duo of Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori in a nerve-wracking tie-break.
After both teams split a set, the match went to a ten-point tie-break. From the start, it seemed like the end of Murray’s career as they trailed 4-9. The Japanese duo needed just one point to advance, and predictions favored them. However, this was where the real match began, as Murray served two amazing points to bring the score to 6-9.
His partner Dan Evans also played a couple of amazing returns that kept Murray’s (and his) Olympics dream alive. Soon, they saved five match points and were 8/9. Eventually, they continued the same form to beat the Japanese 2-6, 7-6(5), 11/9.
In the post-match interview, both Murray and Evans were eager to talk, still stunned by the dramatic turn of events in their match. Murray continues to compete in his final Olympics, and more importantly, the Brits are inching closer to a medal win.
It’s amazing. I guess at 4/9 I just didn’t want to miss the shot to end his career. It sums him up. It’s amazing. Honestly, the best feeling for me to be a part of that. To hit a forehand down the line, which he was probably not that happy that he’d gone cross on the last one. Just couldn't believe it when I saw it.Dan Evans said in the post-match interview
Andy Murray in disbelief, as he and Dan Evans advance to the next round of men’s doubles
After saving five consecutive match points, Andy Murray was visibly shocked. In the post-match interview, he revealed that he initially thought they were out of the Games, but soon saw his partner make some amazing returns that saved the match.
We just tried to play every point at the end. I thought we were done. Evo came out with some good returns. I had a couple good serves at 6/9 to get us to 8/9. Just unbelievable. I’ve never played a doubles match like that where I’ve saved that many consecutive match points. A special place to do it obviously.Andy Murray said in the post-match interview
Murray and Evans enjoyed strong support inside Court Suzanne Lenglen, the second-largest stadium at Roland Garros, which also hosts the French Open. In addition to British flags in the crowd, there were also fans wearing Scottish kilts to honor Murray’s Scottish heritage.
In Case You Missed It:
- Rafael Nadal reflects on the tough Paris Olympics first-round match against Marton Fucsovics
- “Absolutely unbelievable comeback” – Andy Murray and Dan Evans save an astonishing five match points against Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel at the Paris Olympics, fans react
Stay Updated!
Laxman Naren
(1457 Articles Published)