REVEALED! Andy Murray’s potential path to claim the Gold Medal at 2020 Tokyo Olympics


REVEALED! Andy Murray’s potential path to claim the Gold Medal at 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Andy Murray

Defending champion for the 2nd consecutive edition, Andy Murray is set to play in his 4th Olympic Games this year at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Murray failed to win any medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics but went the distance in front of his home crowd at the 2012 London Olympics winning the Gold Medal in Men’s Singles and the Silver medal in Mixed Doubles.

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Murray created history at the 2016 Rio Olympics when he became the first-ever tennis player to win the Singles Gold Medal twice as he won the Gold again in the Men’s Singles to take his Olympic medal tally to 3 which included 2 Gold and 1 Silver medal. While he may not be in the best of his form, it won’t be a shocker if he brings his A-game in Tokyo after his gritty performances in 2021 Wimbledon.

As he returns to defend his Gold medal again, let us have a look at his potential opponents in his quest for a 3rd consecutive Olympics Gold in Men’s Singles.

Andy Murray could meet World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals

Andy Murray
Andy Murray with his 2016 Rio Olympics Singles Gold

Murray has been handed a rather tough draw and his ranking could take the blame for that. The Brit will have to overcome some of the most in-form players of the season in his title defence and with his struggles with form and lack of playing time, it could be a gruesome week for the defending champion.

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Placed in the 2nd half, Murray will open his title defence against 2021 Wimbledon quarter-finalist 20-year old Felix Auger-Aliassime. It could be a tough test for Murray as Felix has been in great form and has already secured a win on Grass this season over Roger Federer at the 2021 Halle Open, also won against Murray in their only previous meeting.

In the 2nd round, Murray could set up his first meeting with German Dominik Koepfer who looks favourite in his 1st round clash. In the 3rd round, he could meet old rival Marin Cilic in their 16th meeting with Murray having won 12 of their 15 contested so far, or, Murray could meet Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta in their first meet-up.

Murray’s Potential path to Olympic Gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics:

  • 1st Round – Felix Auger-Aliassime
  • 2nd Round – Dominik Koepfer
  • 3rd Round – Marin Cilic / Pablo Carreno Busta
  • Quarter-Finals – Daniil Medvedev
  • Semi-Finals – Stefanos Tsitsipas
  • Finals – Novak Djokovic

From the quarter-finals onwards, it will require some of the best tennis from Murray as he is expected to play the Top-3 players in the ATP rankings. He could face World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev in their 2nd career meeting and with Murray having lost their only match so far, it would be a huge obstacle for him to go past the Russian.

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If Murray goes past Medvedev, he could set up his first-ever clash with Greek youngster Stefanos Tsitsipas who is currently the World No. 3 and also the 3rd seed at this year’s Olympics. Stefanos has been in great form this year and it is eminent that he will make things difficult for the Brit.

Somehow if Murray manages to reach the finals, he will face his old foe and fellow Big-4 member Novak Djokovic in what will be their 37th career meeting with Novak winning 25 and Murray winning 11 of those matches. In an all-important clash for the Gold Medal, the Olympics finals could see the two legends of the sport battling it out for yet another time in their careers.

Also Read: Tennis at Tokyo Olympics 2020: Men’s Singles Draw Preview, Analysis and Prediction