Murray Targets Paris Olympics After Tokyo Disappointment 

Andy Murray of Britain hits a return against Mo Yecong of China during their men's singles first round match at the Zhuhai Championships tennis tournament in Zhuhai, in China's southern Guangdong province on September 21, 2023. (AFP)
Andy Murray of Britain hits a return against Mo Yecong of China during their men's singles first round match at the Zhuhai Championships tennis tournament in Zhuhai, in China's southern Guangdong province on September 21, 2023. (AFP)
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Murray Targets Paris Olympics After Tokyo Disappointment 

Andy Murray of Britain hits a return against Mo Yecong of China during their men's singles first round match at the Zhuhai Championships tennis tournament in Zhuhai, in China's southern Guangdong province on September 21, 2023. (AFP)
Andy Murray of Britain hits a return against Mo Yecong of China during their men's singles first round match at the Zhuhai Championships tennis tournament in Zhuhai, in China's southern Guangdong province on September 21, 2023. (AFP)

Briton Andy Murray said he hopes to play in his fifth and likely final Olympic Games in Paris next year, after the two-times gold medalist endured disappointment in Tokyo due to injury.

The 36-year-old Scot claimed his first gold at the London Games in 2012 and backed it up with another at Rio 2016, but he pulled out of the singles competition in Tokyo two years ago with a thigh strain.

Murray continued to compete in the doubles tournament with Joe Salisbury in Japan, where the pair reached the quarter-finals.

"I'd love to play another Olympics. I've had thrilling experiences throughout my career at the Olympics. I've loved every single one I've been involved in," Murray said at the Zhuhai Championships.

"I was really disappointed last time. I'd gotten an injury before the tournament and I promised my partner I'd prioritize the doubles over singles if there was a problem. And we were very close to getting a medal in the doubles.

"We were up a set and 4-3, serving with game points in the quarter-finals and we had a really good chance and didn't quite do it. I'd love another opportunity to play next year in Paris. It would be my fifth Olympics and most likely the last one."

Three-times Grand Slam champion and former world number one Murray has fought his way up the world rankings since having hip resurfacing surgery in 2019 and is currently 41st.

Last week, he helped guide Britain into the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup where they will take on Serbia in November.



Belgian Grand Prix Gets Contract Extension but Set to Be Dropped from Schedule in 2028 and 2030

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)
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Belgian Grand Prix Gets Contract Extension but Set to Be Dropped from Schedule in 2028 and 2030

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)

Formula 1 has extended its contract with the Belgian Grand Prix, but one of the sport's most established races is set to be dropped from the schedule in 2028 and 2030.

The extension starting from next year includes races only in 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031, F1 said Wednesday.

F1’s push in recent years to expand the schedule with more races in the United States and Asia has meant more competition for traditional venues in Europe seeking to keep their places on the calendar.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit, a favorite with many drivers for its flowing high-speed layout through forested hills, was on the F1 schedule for the first championship season in 1950 and has been on the calendar every year since 2007.

"The Belgian Grand Prix was one of the races that made up our maiden Championship in 1950, so as we kick off our 75th anniversary year it is fitting that we can share the news of this important extension," F1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali said in a statement.

"Spa-Francorchamps is rightly lauded by drivers and fans alike as one of the finest racetracks in the world and it has played host to some incredible moments over its many seasons in Formula 1."

This year's Belgian Grand Prix race weekend is from July 25 through 27, including a sprint race.