Andy Murray and Daniel Evans' doubles partnership at Murray's last event has generated attention, but very few know what living together for the British Olympic tennis team has been like.
Murray announced before the Olympics that it would be his final professional tournament. It is a fitting way to end his fantastic career since the 37-year-old won two gold medals in singles in 2012 and 2016.
Unfortunately, the three-time Grand Slam champion did not get to say goodbye on the singles court. Due to ongoing physical concerns, he felt it was best to focus on trying to win a medal in the doubles with Evans.
Although the British pair were not viewed as one of the favorites before the Olympics began, both are strong doubles players, meaning they would always be tough opponents for whoever they faced.
In the first round, Murray and Evans looked doomed at 4-9 down in the deciding 10-point tiebreak against Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori. Incredibly, the pair reeled off seven points in a row to extend Murray's career by another match in thrilling fashion.
Things got even better for Murray and Evans in the next round. They saved two more match points against the Belgian pair Joran Vliegen and Sander Gille to win once again, with some believing a fairytale run is in the making.
The success of Murray and Evans could make some curious about the dynamic between them and the British team in general at the Olympics, who are all living together in the same house.
Murray admits to being tidier than his four children but messier than most adults. However, Evans defended his doubles partner and said Murray is far better than he expected.
“I’m tidy in comparison to my children but probably messy in comparison to most adults. I thought Andy would be a disgrace, untidy. But he keeps his s**t to the side together. We’re pretty lucky actually."
Evans also admitted to being one of the most active members of the team off the court. He finds sleeping or spending too much time at the house dull and thinks seeing the City is essential to the trip.
"I don’t sleep much but if you’re in a week like this you’ve got to go round and see things. Sleeping is boring. Go and see what’s happening!"
Murray also spoke about how he will not just miss competing on the court. He will also miss the general feeling of playing at significant events like the Olympics and being around the buzz of the players and the fans.
"We're cycling round the village and just being part of it. Sometimes just walking through the village, I'm like "Yeah like this is what I'm going to miss. I'm going to miss being part of these tournaments and these events and it's really special being here."
The tennis world will undoubtedly miss Murray a lot more when he retires. For now, the tennis legend is focused on trying to bow out by winning a final Olympic medal in doubles.
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