Andy Murray has been confirmed as Great Britain's flagbearer for Friday's opening ceremony at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The three-time Grand Slam champion, who won gold in the men's singles at London 2012, will lead out 55 British athletes at the Macarana Stadium in two days' time.

Murray will become the first British tennis player to carry the flag, and follows six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, who was flagbearer in London.

"I am very proud to be selected as the Team GB Flagbearer for the Opening Ceremony on Friday," said Murray. "To represent your country at the Games is an unbelievable experience, but to lead out Team GB will be an incredible honour, the biggest in sport.

"This is my third Olympic Games and it is a very special competition for me. I obviously have great memories of London and I am 100% focused on winning here in Rio. The privilege of being the Flagbearer is a moment I will remember for the rest of my life and will certainly be one of the highlights of my career.

"I hope to do the team proud on Friday and wish all of the British athletes the best of luck for the Games ahead."

Team GB chef de mission Mark England added: "The conviction with which Andy spoke to me about the honour of carrying the flag only underlined why he is such an exceptional individual, and absolutely the right choice.

"There are a great number of outstanding athletes on this team, from Nicola Adams who I made flagbearer in Baku, to Sir Bradley Wiggins, unquestionably one of our greatest ever Olympians.

"When I asked Andy to lead our team out it was received with a humility and grace that is befitting of the values of Team GB. It was an emotional moment for him personally, and for this team. I will be incredibly proud to hear him address the team and I have no doubt he will inspire our athletes and the nation alike."

Murray also won silver in the mixed doubles at London 2012.