Andy Murray can be huge asset as a coach or mentor, say Team GB players

Dan Evans and Andy Murray trained at Roland Garros on Wednesday when Murray said playing singles and doubles would be too great an ask for his body. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Team GB’s tennis players have called on Andy ­Murray to remain in the sport in a coaching or mentoring capacity. Murray’s singles career came to an end on Thursday when he withdrew from the Olympic draw to focus on the doubles, where he will compete alongside Dan Evans. When the pair finish in Paris, Murray will retire from playing altogether.

“I’ve taken the decision to withdraw from the singles to concentrate on the doubles with Dan,” Murray said in a statement. “Our practice has been great and we’re playing well together. Really looking forward to getting started and representing GB one more time.” The Scot is managing his workload after undergoing spinal surgery five weeks ago because of a cyst.