Great Britain’s Andy Murray became the first tennis player to win two Olympic singles titles as he bat Juan Martin del Potro in Rio on Sunday night.
The 29-year-old won the crown in London 2012 and he went into the final as the favourite, despite Del Portro’s impressive form since he returned from injury.
Del Potro looked back to his best during the final after a number of injury setbacks, but it was not enough as Murray continued to make more history after another strong season on the ATP circuit.
The duo continued to break each others serve in front of a raucous crowd but Murray eventually prevailed to complete Team GB’s most successful day at an overseas Games.
Murray eventually secured a 7-5 4-6 6-2 7-5 victory to win GB’s fifth gold medal of the day.
His win comes just weeks after his second Wimbledon success but the Scot was pushed all the way in Rio.
Del Potro has struggled for the last three years with a wrist injury but he pushed himself to the limit and both players looked shattered after the match-winning point.
Murray admitted he may not compete in Tokyo in four years time at the age of 33 but Del Potro was quick to pay tribute to the three-time Grand Slam champion.
He said: “I left the last of my toenails on the court. I was tremendously tired. It was the crowd that made me keep running.
“When I look at my medal I’m so happy for that, but I’ve just lost a great final against Andy and I was close to the gold medal.
“He played better in the important moments and is a great champion.”
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