Murray's fairytale farewell no longer looks a fantasy

FOR the first time, it is not unthinkable that Andy Murray could yet get the perfect send-off, a fourth career Olympic medal in his final tournament.

- Matt Majendie

Last night’s great escape was not quite as freakish as on Sunday, when he and Dan Evans saved five match points. This time, it was only two and, in the immediate aftermath, they celebrated like giddy teenagers.

Murray later joked on social media, “Highest I’ve jumped since 2010,” as he flung himself into Evans’s arms.

Moments earlier, his tennis obituary was being written yet again, as it was at Queen’s, when his back issue reared its ugly head, then Wimbledon and now twice already at Roland Garros.

He and Evans now have until tomorrow to catch their breath. The American duo Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul are the likely next obstacle on this potential fairytale, with Fritz having already been a thorn in Team GB’s side by beating Jack Draper in yesterday’s singles.

And two-time Olympic singles champion Murray has now allowed talk of a medal, be that in the bronze or, ideally, gold-medal match.