Andy Murray was clearly very disappointed to have lost the 2012 Wimbledon final to Roger Federer; we saw how much it meant to him in his emotional speech after the match. It has been suggested by some that it was this emotional that has gained Murray many more fans.
The British number one has often divided the public, but it now appears he may now have everyone fully behind him during London 2012. The world number four has spoken of his difficulty in getting over the loss and has admitted he has had trouble sleeping.
But he is now feeling refreshed, ready to go, and challenge for a gold medal. Murray will be keen to bounce back from his defeat at Wimbledon, but may also feel he has a point to prove after his disappointing display during the last Olympics, where he lost in the first round of the tennis event.
On that occasion, he elected to play matches in the build-up to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. He has learned from that and has decided he needs to be rested this time around. Therefore, he has decided to not play, but instead mentally heal from his Wimbledon defeat, and train hard for this next challenge.
It will certainly be fascinating to see how Murray gets on, and if returning to Wimbledon for the tennis event will be positive or negative for him. It would be even more interesting if he were to face Roger Federer in a potential final for the gold medal.
The recent surprise news that Rafael Nadal was withdrawing from the Olympics due to injury has certainly boosted Murray's chances. And anyone that saw the 2012 Wimbledon semi-final between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic will know the Serbian was not at his best.
So, the British number one will be confident that he can reach the final of the singles event, providing he can play at his highest level. He may also get an opportunity in the doubles, if his partnership with brother Jamie goes well.
What we know for sure is Andy Murray is determined to do well, make up for his disappointments from Beijing in 2008, and challenge for that Olympic gold medal.
James Kent has been a tennis fan for a number of years; he is currently looking forward to the tennis on offer during London 2012 and the 2012 US Open, follow him on Twitter and via Facebook.
