London – Andy Murray was on Thursday named as the first member of the Great Britain tennis team for the London Olympics.
The world No 4 will be competing in his second Olympics after Beijing when he lost in the first round of the singles and the second round of the doubles.
Murray, who will also be playing doubles with his brother Jamie, said: “I can't wait for the Olympics to start, it's such an incredible event and for it to be in London is extra special.
“I remember being part of the Olympic Ceremony in Beijing, which was an unbelievable atmosphere and like nothing I'd experienced before. Winning a medal this summer for Team GB is one of my major goals.”
The only British players to win a medal since tennis returned to the Olympic programme in 1988 are Tim Henman and Neil Broad, who were silver medallists in the men's doubles in Atlanta in 1996.
Although Murray is the only singles player to qualify by ranking, the Lawn Tennis Association are hopeful they will be awarded at least one place when the wild cards are announced by the International Tennis Federation next Thursday.
Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt said: “I'm very pleased to welcome Andy Murray as the first tennis player selected to Team GB for the London 2012 Olympics.
“Andy has thrilled British tennis fans with his outstanding performances for many years now and I'm sure there will be an electrifying atmosphere supporting him during the Olympic tennis competition at Wimbledon this summer.”
The Olympic tennis tournament will be held on the grass at Wimbledon from July 28 to August 5. – Sapa-AFP