Murray’s choice to compete solely in doubles enhances his prospects of securing an Olympic medal in Paris, as per Australian doubles icon Mark Woodforde.
“The doubles format offers him his best shot at winning a medal,” Woodforde, who claimed gold with Todd Woodbridge at the 1996 Olympics, shared with BBC Sport.
“Given the retirement considerations he faces, it’s impressive that he’s ready to take this challenge in the doubles alongside Dan.
“This is a fantastic chance for them to make a deep run, and they’ll pose a formidable challenge to any nation they encounter.
“I genuinely believe the Murray/Evans duo is one of the dark horses for a medal.”
Woodforde, a 16-time Grand Slam men’s doubles champion, noted that the shared workload makes the clay surface “less strenuous” for the 37-year-old Murray.
“Had he participated in singles, it might have affected his readiness for doubles and had an adverse effect,” he explained.
“It could have led to an early exit in both formats, so the crucial decision he had to make was knowing ‘I have a partner who can share the burdens.’
“Competing in doubles is simply less taxing for him.
“In singles, the likelihood of extended rallies is heightened due to the court’s high bounce, and the surface slows down the pace while also requiring sliding.
“Transitioning from the grass season, where you mostly move forward, to clay necessitates movement both backward and side-to-side. In doubles, there is less lateral movement and sliding involved.
“For those competing in singles, the varying ball dynamics and higher bounces can really strain the shoulders, particularly on the knees, which are heavily tested.
“Thus, a significant challenge in both singles and doubles during this event is ensuring your body can endure the demands.”
