Posted on 04.08.16

Andy Murray named Great Britain's flag bearer for the Olympics opening ceremony in Rio

ANDY MURRAY has been named as the Team GB flag-bearer for the Rio 2016 Olympics Games – even though he faces doubles action over the weekend.

The Wimbledon champion was selected out of the 366-strong GB squad to carry the Union Flag during tomorrow’s night showpiece occasion at the Maracanã. Murray follows in the footsteps of Sir Chris Hoy and Sir Steve Redgrave (twice) who carried the flag at the start of a summer Olympics.

 Murray said: “To represent your country at the Games is an unbelievable experience, but to lead out Team GB will be an incredible honor, the biggest in sport. This is my third Olympic Games and it is a very special competition for me. I obviously have great memories of London and I am 100% focused on winning here in Rio."

However, Murray’s involvement in the opening ceremony means he has little time to prepare for his first match of the competition, which is likely to be in the first round of the men’s doubles with older brother Jamie.

The draw for the men’s singles takes place today and he could receive a bye from the first round.