16 August,2016 08:22 AM IST | | PA Sport
Andy Murray was tired and emotional but victorious after coming through one of the hardest matches of his career to write his name into Olympic history here on Sunday
Andy Murray with his gold on the podium. Pic/Getty Images
Rio de Janeiro: Andy Murray was tired and emotional but victorious after coming through one of the hardest matches of his career to write his name into Olympic history here on Sunday.
Andy Murray with his gold on the podium. Pic/Getty Images
The 29-year-old defeated brave Juan Martin Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 to become the first tennis player ever to win two Olympic gold medals in singles.
To add to his achievement, Murray did it back-to-back, retaining the title he won so brilliantly on Wimbledon's Centre Court four years ago.
It is Murray's misfortune, although he would not put it in such terms, to be playing in an era where three all-time greats of the game have dominated the biggest prizes.
But out of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, only the latter has an Olympic gold in singles.
"It means a lot," said Murray, his eyes red from tears. He had begun the Games by carrying the flag at the opening ceremony and now here he was watching it being hoisted in his honour.
"Getting to carry the flag at the opening ceremony was an amazing experience and I was very honoured. I found that quite emotional," he added.
