SAN FRANCISCO, August 15, (THEWILL) – An emotional Andy Murray said winning Olympic gold in Rio was “one of the hardest matches” he ever had to play for a major title.
Murray beat Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro 7-5 4-6 6-2 7-5 in the final on Sunday, making him the first player to defend an Olympic singles title following his win in London four years ago.
Reflecting on his journey to Rio gold after the match, he said: “Getting to carry the flag at the opening ceremony was an amazing experience and I was very honoured. I found that quite emotional.”
“I had to regroup and get my mind on the matches so, to finish it with a match like that, obviously I was fairly emotional at the end. It’s been a build-up of emotions.”
The world number two said it would be unlikely he would be able to win a third gold at the next Olympic Games in Tokyo, but said he wouldn’t rule it out completely.
“Four years is a long time and so many things can change,” Murray said. “Who knows about Tokyo? At 33, I’m not sure I’ll be at the same level.”
Murray also had praise for his opponent, Del Potro, who has battled repeated wrist injuries for the past three seasons to come back and win silver.
“Mentally I can only imagine how frustrating that must have been to keep going through the same problem and having to try and come back,” said Murray.
Andy Murray’s brother Jamie congratulated him on Twitter
“He deserves a lot of credit and he should be very proud.”
After the match Murray’s fellow Team GB tennis stars paid tribute to his extraordinary achievement on Twitter.
Jamie Murray, Andy’s brother who has also played in Rio, tweeted: “Double Gold Medalist @andy_murray Extraterrestrial. Raised by a family in Dunblane, Scotland.”
British number one Johanna Konta tweeted her support, saying: “Just saw!! What a day!!!! @andy_murray you legend!!!
Heather Watson, British number two and Murray’s doubles partner in Rio, responded: “I’m crying…… @andy_murray #legend”
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