McEnroe: Brotherly love can equal Olympic gold for Murray boys

JOHN McEnroe has backed Andy and Jamie Murray to combine for sibling success in Beijing.

McEnroe was an occasional partner of brother Patrick during his career and believes the Murrays are more than capable of taking on his fellow Americans and world doubles number ones the Bryan brothers.

"One of my big regrets was never playing at the Olympics," said McEnroe.

"To have won a gold medal, especially playing with your brother, would have been right up there in my career.

"Jamie is one of the world's best doubles players now and Andy is one of the worlds best at singles. They both love the surface the Olympics are being played on and should have every chance of doing very well in Beijing."

Jamie has focused his career on doubles and partners Max Mirnyi on the ATP Tour circuit but the Scottish siblings have paired up together in Davis Cup matches.

And McEnroe has backed a full-time change for the benefit of the world number nine Andy.

"I know most of the top singles guys tend to ignore doubles these days," he said. "In my view that's a mistake and I think Andy would really benefit from playing it regularly.

"I don't see any reason why he can't do both - especially now ATP Tour doubles matches are a maximum of two sets before they play an extended tie-break.

"I think it might help him cure the problem he is having with his second serve - the more court time he gets the better."

Tim Henman won a doubles silver with Neil Broad at the 1996 Atlanta Games and Jamie Murray believes he can go one better.

"The entry list has just come out and our places have been confirmed," he said.

"Any athlete would want to be part of that, it is the pinnacle. Me and Andy will look forward to playing together on the big stage; I'm not sure what would be bigger than us winning an Olympic medal together.

"I think it makes it easier to partner Andy because we have played together before."

JAMES TONEY