“Sh!t Happens”: Crushed Andy Murray reflects on heartfelt Olympics journey 

Andy Murray’s passion for the Olympic movement is hardly a secret, so it came as no surprise when the former world No. 1 took to Twitter to express his gratitude after his bid at the Tokyo Olympics came to an end on Wednesday.

The winner of the past two gold medals in men’s singles—plus silver in mixed doubles with Laura Robson at the London Olympics—Murray was in a strong position to reach the medal rounds in men’s doubles with Joe Salisbury. The two had taken out No. 2 seeds Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut in their opener and led Marin Cilic and Ivan Dodig by a set and a break in the quarterfinals. It wasn’t enough, as the Croatians dug in to edge the pair, 4-6, 7-6 (2), [10-7].

“I feel crushed after today’s loss. Sport can be brutal,” Murray wrote. “Thanks so much Joe Salisbury for the opportunity to play. You were brilliant. I wish it could have gone a little better but shit happens.”

Murray’s appearance in the Japanese capital marked what is likely to be the 34-year-old’s final Olympic Games. The three-time major champion has struggled to maintain consistent health for much of the past two seasons after successfully returning from a right hip resurfacing in June of 2019. In Tokyo, Murray withdrew ahead of his opening-round singles match against Félix Auger-Aliassime to prioritize his chances in doubles after being advised to limit his workload.

“If this is the end of my Olympics journey, I want to say a huge thanks to Team GB and all the tennis support team for everything they have done to help me perform at my best over the years,” he continued. “It’s been an absolute privilege to represent you and my country at 4 Olympics and it’s given me some of the best memories of my life.”

If it happens to be Murray's farewell on this particular stage, we should be the ones saying thank you. For the Dunblane, Scotland native showed us how tennis can be a meaningful—and rewarding—contributor to the Olympic movement.