An illustrious career finally came to an end as Andy Murray (37) and doubles partner Dan Evans (34) were beaten 6-2, 6-4 by American pair Taylor Fritz (26) and Tommy Paul (27) in the Olympics quarter-finals at Roland Garros on Thursday.
The Scot, regarded as one of Britain's greatest sportsmen after twice winning Wimbledon and reaching world number one, announced before the Games that he would retire once it was over.
After withdrawing from the singles he and Evans won two rounds of the doubles, saving multiple match points in each, raising hopes of a golden final chapter to his career.
They saved another match point against the Americans at Court Suzanne-Lenglen on Thursday but the story ended as Fritz and Paul ran out winners to deny Murray the chance of a fourth Olympic medal.
He won singles in 2012 and 2016 and also claimed a mixed doubles silver medal in 2012.