Andy Murray defends his Team GB Olympics selection in response to Cameron Norrie criticism

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Andy Murray has hit back at criticism of his selection for Great Britain at this summer’s Olympic Games. Murray will play in the men’s singles and team up with Joe Salisbury in the doubles in Tokyo after being picked in Team GB’s squad for the Games.

The 34-year-old is now ranked 119th in the world following battles with hip and groin injuries, but has won gold in the men’s singles at the last two Olympic Games.

Murray, who also won silver in the mixed doubles alongside Laura Robson at London 2012, is joined by Dan Evans in the singles.

Evans and Neal Skupski are the other men’s doubles pair, while Heather Watson and Johanna Konta will compete in the women’s singles.

The announcement on Thursday came with some surprises, with doubles specialist Jamie Murray and Cameron Norrie notable absentees.

Norrie has impressed recently, reaching the final of Queen’s in the build-up to Wimbledon, and some fans were confused by his non-inclusion.

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In the aftermath, one fan took to Twitter, writing: “Can’t quite figure out why @andy_murray has been picked for the Olympics singles & doubles given his results in 2021 in both formats. Pretty tough on @cam_norrie who just reached the singles final at Queens, and semis in the doubles.”

Murray quickly clarified the situation by replying. He tweeted: “Cam chose not to play… each nation is allowed 4 singles players…i used my special exemption as previous winner to take my spot in the draw.. it no bearing on Cam or any other British players chance to compete.”

Norrie has confirmed that to be the case, releasing a statement to explain his decision to make himself unavailable for Tokyo 2020.

“While I wish I could compete in the Olympics and represent Great Britain, considering how the pandemic devastated the tennis calendar and created limited opportunities for players to move up the rankings, my team & I feel it’s best for me not to partake in this year’s Olympics,” he wrote.

“It is important that I continue to prepare and focus on the tournaments leading up to the US Open, the US Open itself, and the subsequent events after as they are big opportunities to move up the ranks and keep momentum.

“While I am disappointed I won’t be attending, the idea of representing my country is something that is a big goal of mine.

“Considering the enormous challenges this year’s Olympics has on a player’s schedule and the preparation needed, makes this one tough for myself to participate in.”

While Murray has struggled with injuries in the past few years, his record at the Olympics is fantastic, with Scot now in with a chance of making it three straight gold medals.

“The Olympics mean a huge amount to me, it’s a massive honour to be able to compete at a fourth games,” he said after the announcement.

“Leading Team GB out at the opening ceremony five years ago in Rio was one of the highlights of my career.”

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