Andy Murray's tennis career over as Brits crash out of Olympics doubles quarter-finals to American duo
Andy Murray has crashed out of the Olympics
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Andy Murray's tennis career has come to an end at the hands of American duo Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz after the British icon lost alongside Dan Evans in their men's doubles quarter-final at the Olympics.
Murray and Evans embarked on a remarkable journey to the quarter-final stage of the men's doubles draw having twice faced match points in their previous rounds.
But Fritz and Paul proved one test too far for Murray and Evans as the Americans romped to victory at the Olympics.
The result marks the end of Murray's incredible career, which saw him win three major titles and end Great Britain's long wait for a male Wimbledon singles champion.
Andy Murray has crashed out of the Olympics
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The No 3 seeds made light work of the first set as Murray and Evans struggled to build up any momentum in the match.
It left Murray and Evans needing to pull off another remarkable comeback having done so in their previous two matches.
The British pair looked down and out in their very first match of the Olympics after going down five match points against Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel.
And they came back from two match points down against Belgians Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen in another enthralling contest to make it through to the quarter-finals.
But coming back from Fritz and Paul was always going to be the tougher test of the lot with both Americans ranked 12th and 13th on the ATP Tour.
And they got off to the worst possible start in the second as they went a double break down.
As proven in previous rounds, Murray and Evans weren't ready to throw in the towel and they pulled back one break but the Americans immediately bounced back on Murray's serve.
Paul was serving for the match, but the British duo once again dug deep to stay in the game as they saved one match point before breaking on the fifth opportunity.
Andy Murray and Dan Evans were emotional at the end
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Evans consolidated the break before it was Fritz's turn to try and serve out for the match.
The 26-year-old is one of the best servers in the men's game and it showed as they comfortably opened up two match points.
The Americans only needed one as Evans was unable to keep his return inside the boundaries as Fritz and Paul clinched a famous victory.
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Andy Murray and Dan Evans were in tears at the end
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Evans and Murray were crestfallen as they shook hands with their opponents at the net.
Chants of 'Andy' rung around the arena as Murray held back tears before waving goodbye on court for one more time.
Fritz and Paul showed their respect to Murray as they applauded him off the court.