It's not over yet as Murray stages classic comeback

Andy Murray playing in ParisImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Sir Andy Murray survives to play another day after his Olympics doubles win

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Just after 21:00, as the sun started to dip behind the Suzanne Lenglen arena at Roland Garros, a familiar roar filled the air.

It was the roar of a remarkable man not ready to walk away from the sport that has been his life.

It was a mixture of pure joy and incredible relief.

Those who rose to their feet waving Union Jack flags celebrated it like a gold medal-winning match, even though this was just the first round doubles.

They had come hoping to see Andy Murray progress but knew it might also be their opportunity to say "I witnessed his final match".

For a long time it was looking very much like the latter.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist and playing partner Dan Evans started poorly.

A crushing loss seemed almost inevitable after a bruising 6-2 first set defeat to Japanese opponents Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel.

Evans was carrying a knock from his first round singles win and Murray was carrying all the injuries that have forced him to call time on a remarkable career.

After a hip rebuild and recent back surgery, most would have walked away from a sport that demands so much from the body.

But Murray has proved time and time again that he’s no ordinary man - no ordinary athlete.

Yes, at times he looked stiff and laboured. His opponents, at times, even looked like they were targeting him as the Team GB weak link.

But in the hot Paris evening there were flashes of the old Murray brilliance - enough to keep them alive going into a third set tie break.

And that’s when the magic came.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

The last minute victory puts Daniel Evans and Sir Andy Murray through to the second round

At 9-5 down and staring down the barrel of defeat and retirement, Evans and Murray came to life and won five straight points to snatch victory.

The pair leapt around the court, hardly believing what had just happened.

It was fitting that a man known for his incredible comebacks clung on to his career with yet another one.

He had said at the start of the Games that he felt the time was right to walk away.

But the sheer relief on his face told a different story.

Murray is a warrior to his core and this was just the kind of battle he has revelled in throughout his time at the very top of tennis.

Afterwards, he admitted there had been nerves before the match.

Watching him warm up earlier in the day was mum, Judy. She admitted that she planned to head home after the match for a golf engagement in Scotland.

Her plans have now changed and she’s staying - so too is her son.

The big send off can wait. Andy Murray isn’t done yet.

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