Jamie Murray is hoping to put right his Olympic record at the third attempt in Rio de Janeiro this summer.
Murray is part of an initial four-strong Team GB squad named for the Olympic Games, alongside brother and defending men’s singles champion Andy plus women’s hopes Johanna Konta, the world number 18, and Heather Watson.
He is ranked number one in the world in doubles but normal partner Bruno Soares, who he partnered to win this year’s Australian Open, will be playing for hosts Brazil, meaning he will look to repeat his Davis Cup heroics with his younger sibling.
The Murrays were a formidable force in Great Britain’s historic victory, combining to beat France, Australia and Belgium in some memorable encounters that defined a first win in the competition since 1936. But their Olympic record is less impressive, losing in the second round in Beijing and first round four years ago at London 2012, beaten in three sets by Austria’s Jürgen Melzer and Alexander Peya.
It meant Jamie was left to watch in the stands as his brother went on to win the men’s singles title and partner Laura Robson to mixed doubles silver a few hours later.
“I didn’t do myself justice in previous Olympics but I’m playing the best tennis of my career and I’m excited to get another Olympic opportunity,” he said.
“The doubles will be very strong in Rio, all the best singles and doubles players will be competing. We’ve got a great chance to do well because we’re playing very well. "It’s a unique event for us and that brings some extra pressure because, if you stuff it up, it’s a four year wait to put it right. London was an anti-climax for me and I want to make amends for that. “Last year we had an amazing experience with the Davis Cup and some of those doubles matches were games I will really remember when I look back at the end of my career.
“Because of that, we know we can get the job done in tough circumstances and we know how to get the best out of each other.
“The Olympics is as hard to win as any slam and it’s a huge thing to achieve - everyone understands what an Olympic gold medal is.”
Andy Murray’s straight sets final victory over Roger Federer four years ago certainly kick-started his career, he won his first Slam title a few weeks later in New York and finally claimed Wimbledon the following summer.
“Playing for Team GB during London 2012 gave me some of the best memories that I have in sport,” said the world number two, a beaten finalist at last week’s French Open at Roland Garros. “Being a home Games, it was such a special occasion and the atmosphere at Wimbledon was like nothing I have ever experienced. “I watched Mo, Greg and Jess win gold the night before my final and it definitely helped inspire me. Winning medals for your country is as good as it gets I can’t wait to get to Rio to try and win more.” Meanwhile, British women’s number one Konta has made no secret of her desire to make her first Olympic team. Four years ago she admitted watching the opening ceremony in tears as the enormity of the event hit her, just weeks after finally being granted British citizenship and the right to represent the country she considers her own on the international stage.
“It’s an amazing feeling and right now I’m just very excited,” she said.
“It’s obviously a few weeks away but it’s such an honour and I’m looking forward to doing my part for Team GB and supporting my team-mates across all the sports.”
Sportsbeat 2016