Andy Murray has been controversially picked to play doubles at the Olympics instead of his brother Jamie. Joe Salisbury had the choice of teaming up doubles specialist Jamie or the three-time Grand Slam singles champion in Tokyo.
And the British doubles No 1 opted for Andy even though he has played only two doubles matches since August 2019 and has undergone two hip operations.
Jamie, who has won seven Grand Slam doubles titles, is ranked world No 22 in doubles and Andy is No 133.
British No 2 doubles player Neal Skupski will play with Dan Evans to effectively end Jamie Murray’s Olympic career.
The 35-year-old, who had said he was unsure about going to Tokyo, did make himself available for selection.
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The Murray brothers teamed up in the 2015 Davis Cup final but have won only one match together in three Olympics and could not have formed a pairing in Tokyo.
Andy Murray, 34, gets a wildcard into the singles as a two-time champion – in 2012 and 2016 – and the defending gold medallist. He will play in his fourth Games.
“The Olympics means a huge amount to me, it’s a massive honour to be able to compete at a fourth Games,” said the world No 119.
“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.”
“It is important that I continue to prepare and focus on the tournaments leading up to the US Open, the US Open itself, and all the subsequent events after as they are big opportunities to move up the ranks and keep momentum,” said the world No 34.
Jo Konta and Heather Watson will play in the singles and doubles.
Jamie Murray yesterday pulled out of the doubles at the Viking Classic Eastbourne because of a stiff neck to ensure he is fit for Wimbledon.
There are no seeds left in the WTA 500 event on the south coast after after qualifier Camila Giorgi beat top seed Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 0-6 6-4.
Evans has performed a u-turn and will play but British No 2 Cam Norrie has made the “tough” choice not to go.
World No 5 Dominic Thiem has pulled out of Wimbledon with the right wrist injury he suffered in Mallorca on Tuesday.
Katie Swan is the only Brit left in Wimbledon qualifying after she fought back to beat Caty McNally 4-6 7-6 7-5 in the second round.
She will face Aussie Arina Rodionova on Friday for a place in the main draw – and a guaranteed £48,000.
The world No 290 said: “I just had to keep fighting for every single point – I am so happy to get through that one.”
Naiktha Bains, Arthur Fery and Anton Matusevich all went out yesterday.