Tokyo Olympics: Andy Murray withdraws from men’s singles with minor thigh strain

Britain’s two-time defending champion Andy Murray has withdrawn from the men’s singles at the Tokyo Olympics with a minor thigh strain.

The Scot, who won his opening men’s double match with Joe Salisbury on Saturday, had been due to face Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime on day two.

The 34-year-old will still compete in the doubles but was advised not to compete in both events in Japan.

He has been replaced in the singles draw by Australian Max Purcell.

“I am really disappointed at having to withdraw but the medical staff have advised me against playing in both events,” a statement from Murray read.

“I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the singles and focus on playing doubles with Joe.”

Murray won his first singles gold at London 2012 and successfully defended his title in Rio four years later.

However, the three-time Grand Slam champion has since undergone major hip surgery and has made a stuttering return to the Tour.

He missed the Australian Open in January after contracting coronavirus but won back-to-back matches at a Slam for the first time in four years at Wimbledon last month.

Murray spoke positively after his victory with Salisbury on the first day of the Games when they beat French second seeds Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Hubert.

He and Salisbury will face German pair Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in the second round.

Liam Broady is the sole British representative remaining in the singles after Murray’s withdrawal and Heather Watson’s first-round defeat.