HOUDINI PACT

Murray and Evans pull off another miracle escape to extend the Scot's career and egde closer to dream gold

- FRASER WILSON

ANYTHING Rafa can do...

After seeing the King of Clay volley any thoughts of retirement down the road for at least a day or two, Andy Murray did exactly the same again - in the baking heat of Paris last night.

The Scot and Dan Evans once more saved match points to dramatically beat Belgians Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen and reach the quarter-finals.

Maybe it was the sight of the Nadal-Carlos Alcaraz double act finally hitting top gear on Court Suzanne-Lenglen before them.

Or maybe it was the molecules of magic from Sunday's Herculean first-round rescue act still clinging to the same arena's clay. But some kind of force is driving on Murray and Evans on Roland Garros' second court.

It's now right into the last eight of the Olympic men's doubles.

Just two wins from ending his legendary journey with another medal. Three wins from making it a gold one.

And at least one more French soiree for his travelling army of fans desperate for this journey to never end.

At the end, Murray was slumped in his chair with tears of joy streaming down his face after sweating blood to save another date with retiral.

For the duo there was plenty more heart-stopping drama as this time two match points were saved in a 10-point breaker before sealing another 11-9 victory.

This pair NEVER know when they're beaten.

The celebrations were every bit as wild as any that have greeted his three Grand Slam victories as the pair jumped around the court like it was a bed of flames.