In a dramatic changing of the guard for British tennis, Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper have been officially named as the headline acts for Team GB's tennis squad at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The announcement marks a significant moment as the legendary Andy Murray will not be competing, bringing his storied Olympic career to a close.
The British Olympic Association and the Lawn Tennis Association confirmed the full six-player team on Sunday, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying competition at Roland Garros.
The Complete Team GB Tennis Lineup
Britain will be represented by a mix of established stars and rising talents across both singles and doubles competitions:
- Emma Raducanu - The 2021 US Open champion makes her Olympic debut
- Jack Draper - Fresh off his first ATP title, the rising star gets his Olympic chance
- Katie Boulter - Current British number one women's player
- Cameron Norrie - Experienced campaigner and former Wimbledon semi-finalist
- Dan Evans - Veteran player bringing Olympic experience
- Joe Salisbury & Neal Skupski - Doubles specialists aiming for medal success
The End of an Era: Murray's Olympic Absence
The squad announcement brings confirmation that three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray will not feature in Paris. The Scot, who won back-to-back Olympic gold medals at London 2012 and Rio 2016, had been considering a final swansong but ultimately decided against competing.
Murray's absence marks the end of one of the most celebrated Olympic tennis careers in history. His emotional gold medal victory over Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2012 remains one of British sport's most iconic moments.
Raducanu's Redemption Arc
For Emma Raducanu, the Olympic selection represents another milestone in her remarkable comeback story. After undergoing multiple surgeries and spending much of 2023 sidelined, the 21-year-old has shown flashes of her US Open-winning form this season.
'It's a huge honour to represent Team GB at the Olympics,' Raducanu said following the announcement. 'Competing at Roland Garros, where I've had some great experiences, makes it even more special.'
Draper's Dream Realised
Jack Draper's inclusion comes at the perfect moment in his breakthrough season. The 22-year-old recently claimed his maiden ATP title in Stuttgart and has been climbing the rankings steadily.
'I've dreamed of this since I was a kid,' Draper commented. 'To represent your country at an Olympics is something every athlete aspires to. I can't wait to get out there and give it everything.'
Medal Prospects and Expectations
While Team GB faces stiff competition from traditional tennis powerhouses, the mix of youth and experience provides genuine medal potential. The doubles pairing of Salisbury and Skupski, both Grand Slam champions, represents Britain's strongest chance for podium success.
The tennis competition at Paris 2024 will run from July 27th to August 4th at the iconic Roland Garros stadium, home of the French Open.
