Andy Murray fires back over Olympics announcement backlash
Andy Murray has hit back at critics after the announcement he would defend his Olympic medal at the Tokyo Games.
The tennis world was delighted when it was announced Murray would defend his Olympic gold after he was awarded a spot through the quota place.
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The 34-year-old is the only tennis player in history to win singles gold at consecutive Olympics having triumphed in London and Rio and has taken up the place available to him as a former champion despite being ranked outside the top 100.
"The Olympics means a huge amount to me, it's a massive honour to be able to compete at a fourth Games.
"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."
Many fans were quick to praise the good news, which will see Murray join a withering list of tennis stars attending the Tokyo Olympics.
Murray hits back at Olympic critics
But some felt Murray didn't earn his spot.
One fan accused Murray of taking a spot of another British star, in particular Cam Norrie.
Norrie has produced a number of good results in 2021.
But Murray was quick to hit back at critics and claimed Norrie chose not to attend the Olympics.
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
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) June 24, 2021
Murray will also play in the men's doubles but not, as at previous Games, with his brother Jamie, who had already strongly hinted he would not travel to Tokyo.
Instead, Murray will play with Britain's leading doubles specialist Joe Salisbury, who is also likely to compete in the mixed doubles with Johanna Konta.
Dan Evans has had a change of heart having previously expressed reluctance to compete in Tokyo and will make his Olympic debut, playing singles and doubles alongside Neal Skupski.
with AAP
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