An extraordinary occurrence is unfolding. Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say it’s a predictable development, considering Andy Murray’s involvement.
The atmosphere surrounding one of Britain’s sporting icons participating in the final event of his illustrious career has shifted from a somber farewell to an almost incredulous excitement that he might achieve something remarkable yet again: clinching another Olympic medal.
Together with his partner Dan Evans, Murray has advanced to the quarter-finals of the men’s doubles at this tournament following yet another thrilling encounter on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
Doubts surfaced regarding whether any match could match the suspense of their first-round escape, but once again, Murray and Evans proved us all wrong.
Andy Murray and Dan Evans have reached the quarter-finals of the men’s doubles in Paris
The British duo had to save two match points to beat their Belgian opponents in a match tie-break
The pair looked to be on their way out, before they kept themselves in the competition
Murray pumps his fist during a thrilling doubles’ encounter at Roland Garros on Tuesday night
Murray slumped in his chair and looked emotional following a second dramatic match
After being pushed to a final match tiebreak by the Belgian duo Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen, they managed to save two match points to secure their spot in the quarter-finals.
When Evans hit the decisive shot that confirmed their win, Murray celebrated by dancing joyfully on the court, reminiscent of a child hearing about a visit to Disneyland.
Just a month post-surgery to remove a spinal cyst, this man with a metal hip is on the verge of potentially winning another medal.
Why limit the possibilities? Perhaps he will even claim a gold to complement the two singles medals he has won from London and Rio de Janeiro. If anyone embodies the spirit of limitless potential, it is undoubtedly Britain’s bionic 37-year-old champion.
The Belgians were no pushovers. This skilled pair was the finalists at last year’s French Open on this very clay surface, yet Murray and Evans would not be deterred.
In their next match, they will face either the American third seeds Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul or the Dutch duo of Robin Haase and Jean-Julien Rojer.
Unlike their first-round matchup, the British team began strongly. Evans saved two break points in the opening game, and in the subsequent game, Murray made an incredible play, diving for a shot that led to their early break.
When Murray executed a beautiful topspin lob to give them a 3-0 lead, it invoked memories of his iconic shot that clinched the Davis Cup for Great Britain in 2015.
Murray and Evans were ruthless in the first set, winning 6-3 against their opponents
However, frustration kicked in as their Belgian opponents began to rally
The Britons exhibited a notably different caliber of play compared to the unsure, inconsistent performance they delivered during their first-round escape against Japan’s Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel. Murray hit an ace to give them a 5-2 advantage.
Evans withstood additional break points as they scrambled to clinch the set. When a Belgian return sailed long, gifting them the point they needed, the British duo celebrated together with triumphant gestures.
With the second set tied at 2-2, Evans made an incredible effort to chase down a nearly unreachable shot and lofted a ball that Gille mishit, offering the British team a chance to break serve, although the Belgians held on.
It seemed they were closing in on victory in the ninth game of the set when a wild forehand from Vliegen opened the door for another break opportunity for Evans and Murray. Evans’ great passing shot created a breakpoint, but Vliegen responded with an ace to deny it. The Belgians saved a second break point as well and gained a 5-4 lead.
The Belgian duo took the game all the way to a match tie-break, only to narrowly miss out
Murray signs autographs for fans after another dramatic victory in the men’s doubles
Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz could meet the British duo if they win their match against Netherlands pair Robin Haase and Jean-Julien Rojer
The set led to a tiebreak that was a rollercoaster ride for both teams. The British side had a match point, but it was saved by the Belgians. The Dutch team found themselves with a set point, only for Murray and Evans to stave it off.
A subsequent match point was thwarted by an error from the Belgians. When the Belgians earned their second set point, an unfortunate double fault by Evans pushed the match into a deciding tiebreak.
The situation seemed dire for the British pair as they trailed 9-7 in the tiebreak. Yet, in a stunning comeback, Murray and Evans won four consecutive points to seal the match.
For now, the talks of retirement are held off. The remarkable adventure continues.
