Murray brothers Olympic converts

AS ROGER Federer checked out of the athletes' village, Andy Murray checked in, following a complicated journey from Cincinnati, where he won his first Masters title last weekend, via a brief stopover in London, where he walked his dog, Maggie, around Wimbledon Common, before eventually arriving in Beijing on Thursday afternoon.

He appeared yesterday alongside his brother, Jamie, the pair of them comprising "Britain's tennis team," and sharing an apartment in the village. "We're not sharing a room, thankfully," deadpanned Andy.

Tomorrow, they begin their first Olympic campaign, and both are ambitious for that, but you certainly got the impression yesterday that they are also keen to soak up the Olympic experience, to bathe in the atmosphere. It was telling – and refreshing – that, while 183 British athletes opted to miss last night's Opening Ceremony, the brothers were among the 130 who took part.

They seem, rather endearingly, genuinely thrilled to be here, with neither likely to follow Federer's lead by relocating to a hotel suite, least of all Jamie.

Sir Matthew Pinsent had earlier compared the atmosphere in the village to "a school disco," though, by one or two accounts, the elder of the Murray brothers has ventured away from the boys' end, taking the opportunity to introduce himself to some of the hottest female talents from other sports.

"The village is good, it's totally different to anything I'm used to," said Andy. "It's like being back in a massive school. There are just so many people, but I think you've got to be involved with the other athletes. If you stay in a hotel, it's just like another tennis tournament."

As for their participation in the opening ceremony – which was also attended by Federer and Rafael Nadal – Jamie explained: "It's something we wanted to do, to be part of the whole experience."

Yet it is clear they are not just here to make new friends, but to challenge for medals. It won't be easy, with tennis arguably the most superstar-studded of all the sports in Beijing, which is a neat riposte to those who say that tennis, like football, shouldn't be in the Olympics.

"You could say that if seven or eight of the top ten were missing," pointed out Andy. "But you only have to look at the field to see what it means to the top players."

In the doubles, although they have the advantage over some pairs of knowing each other about as well as possible, they face a tough first round match against Daniel Nestor and Frederick Niemeyer of Canada.

Then there is the schedule, which could have Andy playing two matches some days. In the heat and humidity, which yesterday was close to unbearable, it will be gruelling, to say the least. No less an authority than Judy Murray claimed this week that a decent run in Beijing would all but rule out a serious challenge at the US Open, which follows immediately after. Asked what he made of his mother's claim, Andy managed a wry smile: "I think she's wrong." In any case, he seemed to hint it could be a sacrifice worth making, even if he didn't go as far as Federer, who, having placed fourth in Sydney, has said that an Olympic gold would salvage his season.

"Well, Federer has twelve grand slams," said Murray, "so I'm sure this is important to him. To win any grand slam would be huge – but so would winning the Olympics. It's right up there. Yes, I might have to play twice in the same day, and that makes it harder, but it's a great opportunity. Just to be involved in the Olympics is awesome."

But what about daring to dream – especially given the form Murray is currently in. As the names of the players he could face in the semi-final and final are put to him – first Djokovic, then Federer – the wry smile returns. "At least we're not looking too far ahead, guys."

However the competition goes, it seems that for both Murray brothers the Olympic experience is to be relished. And again, it is refreshing to learn that both are hoping to watch other sports. "I'd like to see some swimming and boxing," said Andy.

"I want to see the gymnastics," said Jamie. But don't be surprised if he is spotted at the beach volleyball.