Andy Murray: Exciting to head to Tokyo Olympics as defending champion

• Tennis News

Former world No. 1 Andy Murray is excited about representing Great Britain at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. Murray, now ranked at No. 119 in the world, enjoyed huge success at past two Olympics. Murray, 34, won his maiden Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics after handing a straight-set defeat to Roger Federer in the final.

Four years later, Murray became the first tennis player ever to win back-to-back gold medals as he beat Argentine Juan Martin del Potro in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic final. Murray, who has been struggling with his hip since 2017, won't be one of the top favorites to win it all in Tokyo but still he is excited about having a chance to play another Olympics.

"The Olympics means a huge amount to me, it's a massive honour to be able to compete at a fourth Games," Murray said. "Leading Team GB out at the Opening Ceremony five years ago in Rio was one of the highlights of my career.

Going to a second Olympics as defending champion is exciting and I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Murray joined by Dan Evans, Neal Skupski and Joe Salisbury

Top-ranked British tennis player Evans will also play in Tokyo, while rising Cameron Norrie has opted against playing at the Olympics.

"It's a huge privilege to once again announce our tennis players for Team GB, the calibre of the team gets stronger with every Games and it is great to see a mix of returning and first time Olympians," Team GB Chef de Mission, Mark England said.

"Two-time Olympic Champion Andy Murray was our flag bearer in Rio and he continues to lead by example through his commitment to the Olympic Games and Team GB in what will be his fourth Olympics. "We are also delighted to welcome back Heather and Johanna as returning Olympians, and I am sure they will all pass on the best of their insight to Dan, Joe and Neal."