Andy Murray leapt from his bed in his underpants to learn of the honour of being Great Britain’s flag bearer in Friday’s opening ceremony at the Rio Olympics.
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The 29-year-old Scottish tennis star was teased by Princess Anne, who was nearly blocked out of the photographs as she stood beside him.
“They were giving me direction and then I ended up putting the flag in front of Princess Anne’s face. I’m just trying to treat it as any other tournament and trying to prepare as best I can”, he said.
“Last night didn’t go so well but I can see the amusing side of it now and I’ll try to get a bit of practice in before tomorrow night”. “I’ll try to do it that way as it looks a bit better”.
Asked how the princess reacted, Murray quipped, “I think she said, ‘Make sure you don’t poke my eye out.’ Something along those lines”.
She added: “I’ve been to plenty of tennis events over the years – I was in Beijing and I was in London and I’m very happy to miss this one and watch it on the television”.
Defending champion Andy Murray insisted the Olympic tennis tournament remains a strong competition despite Stan Wawrinka joining the growing list of withdrawals.
“For me, the Olympics is the biggest sporting event in the world by far, and I’m proud to represent my country”.
Cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins had been the bookies’ tip to carry the flag but the 29-year-old Scot was thrilled to receive the honour.
“I’m gradually getting into the Olympic mood”, said Nishikori. “It’s inspiring. I’ll give it a go, left-handed”, Murray was quoted as saying by the Guardian on Thursday.
“I had an fantastic experience and learnt so much from losing in the first round”.
“It doesn’t get much bigger than a chance to lead out your country”.
In singles, he’ll face Viktor Troicki of Serbia, someone Murray has beaten all seven times they’ve played.
“It was an incredible day for me”, Murray said.
“I am not playing until Sunday, which is good”.
Rio de Janeiro – Adjusting quickly to the Olympic atmosphere and its unfamiliar environment will be key for Andy Murray as he bids to defend the title he won in London four years ago, the world number two has said.
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“I don’t know exactly the reasons for that”.
