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Murray brothers will not compete in Tokyo 2020 doubles as Jamie continues with current partner Neal Skupski

The last time the Murray brothers won an Olympic doubles match was in Beijing, 2008 - Getty Images North America
The last time the Murray brothers won an Olympic doubles match was in Beijing, 2008 - Getty Images North America

After 12 years of competing together at the Olympics, the Murray brothers’ doubles partnership is to be dissolved in Tokyo, as Jamie Murray opts to play with his regular team-mate Neal Skupski instead.

That, at least, is the plan that Jamie outlined on Friday in Melbourne, after he and Skupski had completed a smooth 6-4, 6-4 victory over Hubert Hurkacz and Vasek Pospisil.

Although Jamie and Skupski have yet to play a tournament final at ATP level, they have won 25 of 40 matches since teaming up in June. The two Murrays, however, have a dreadful record together at the Olympics. They have won only one match in three attempts, and that was all the way back in Beijing, 2008.

Admittedly, their collaboration worked far more smoothly in the Davis Cup, especially during Great Britain’s run to the title in 2015. But, as Andy Murray put it, a couple of weeks before that year’s final in Belgium: “I don’t think people appreciate the stress that playing with your brother adds to the match.”

More importantly, no-one outside the Murray family – and their various coaches and fitness advisors – really knows what state Andy’s body is in.

Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski - Credit: REX
Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski have won 25 of 40 matches since teaming up in June Credit: REX

The suspicion is that his lengthy lay-off with a pelvic bone-bruise could be connected to last year's insertion of a metal hip joint. In which case, it has the potential to shut down his inspirational comeback to tennis.

Speaking in Melbourne on Friday, Jamie Murray told reporters: “My plan just now is to play with Neal [in Tokyo]. Whether Andy is fit or not is a different story.

“For us right now, we’ve played a lot of matches. We’ve played against a lot of good teams. We’re going to be playing this year. It makes sense for us to do that. But obviously, I guess, if Andy’s fit and healthy, he’ll have a say in what the teams are going to be. Which is fair enough.”