The Brits saved five match points trailing 9-4 in the deciding match tie-break before rattling off seven straight points to book a spot in the second round.

In what Murray has already said will be his last tournament, the Brits will face either eighth seeds Arthur Fils and Ugo Humbert or Belgian team Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen.

“Right at the end of the match when we were behind, both of us stepped up and we played really well," said Murray. "The focus and concentration was there and hopefully we can start the match like that in a few days’ time.

“It felt like a home match for us with so many people in the stands for a first round doubles match. That makes me proud – not just because they are there to see me and Dan but it shows how much people want to support tennis in the Olympics, support the doubles and create an atmosphere like that – it doesn’t happen every week on tour."

Evans added: "I’ve never seen a crowd out there like that with so many Brits all shouting for us, it was pretty cool and something I’ll remember.

"I’m immensely proud that I get to share the court with him (Murray) with the Great Britain flag on my chest. Him more than anyone will tell you that he’s here to win and isn’t bothered about retirement just yet."

It was a great start from the Japanese duo, who did very little wrong in the opening set. Solid returning from Nishikori and Daniel put early pressure on Murray’s second service game at 2-2 as a framed forehand from the former world No.1 handed a break advantage to the Japanese pairing.

Nishikori impressed throughout the opening set. The former US Open runner-up showed great hands on a drop shot volley to set up three break points on Evans’ serve and then fired a clean winner down the line past Murray.

Two breaks to the good, the 2016 bronze medallist held with ease to move one set away from victory.

Both Murray and Nishikori struggled on serve in the second set. The Brits found themselves a break down on two occasions early on but trailing 2-0 and 4-2 they capitalised on poor service games from the 34-year-old Japanese star to keep within touching distance.

Staring down a fourth consecutive break on Murray’s serve at 30-40, Evans found a much-needed volley winner and eventually managed to seal a significant hold before levelling the match in the tie-break.

However, it proved to be a frustrating start to match tie-break for the British duo. Four straight unforced errors helped the Japanese pair set up five match points at 9-4.

As has been a trademark throughout his career, you’re never quite safe against Murray, no matter your lead.

Led by a run of dominant points from Evans, the British pair saw off Nishikori and Daniel’s efforts to finish the match. Evans blasted an excellent drive volley past his opponents to bring it back to 9-9, before two mistakes from the Japanese side gave the Brits an extraordinary win on Court Suzanne Lenglen.