Andy Murray makes flying start in bid to retain Olympic gold

Andy Murray will play with brother Jamie in the doubles. Picture: PA

Andy Murray began his bid to retain his Olympic gold with an emphatic win at his opening game of Rio 2016.

The Scot made it to the next round of the men’s singles after beating Serbian Viktor Troicki 6-3, 6-2.

Fiery Troicki – who was fined for unsportsmanlike conduct after a rant at an umpire following his second-round defeat at this year’s Wimbledon – put up a brave fight but was outclassed by the defending Olympic champion.

Murray was due back on court with brother Jamie overnight in the first game in the men’s doubles.

Earlier, Great Britain’s Kyle Edmund and Heather Watson both reached the second round of the singles.

Watson also won in the women’s doubles alongside Johanna Konta, the pair beating Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic and Aleksandra Krunic.

A number of the tennis matches, along with rowing and canoeing, had been delayed due to strong winds.

Last week Murray said being Great Britain’s flag bearer for Friday’s Olympic opening ceremony was the “number one” moment of his career.

Murray, who won his second Wimbledon mens singles title last month, is the first tennis player to be chosen for the role.

He added: “It’s bigger than winning a tournament.

“It doesn’t get much bigger than a chance to lead out your country.”

Describing the moment he was told he was going to carry the Union flag on behalf of the 366-strong squad, Murray said: “I’ve never felt that proud before.”