In a surprising turn of events at Wimbledon 2024, former world number one Andy Murray has announced he will partner with Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles competition. This decision comes after Murray, 37, withdrew from the singles tournament due to his ongoing recovery from recent back surgery to remove a spinal cyst. The partnership is generating significant excitement as it marks Murray’s final appearance at Wimbledon before his planned retirement after the Paris Olympics this summer.Murray, a two-time Wimbledon singles champion, expressed disappointment at not being able to compete in singles but is looking forward to the doubles events. ‘I’m disappointed, I wanted to play in the tournament… I wanted to have a chance to go out there and walk out on my own on the Centre Court again and give it another go,’ he said. In addition to the mixed doubles with Raducanu, Murray will also compete in men’s doubles alongside his brother Jamie.For Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, teaming up with Murray is described as a ‘childhood dream’. She praised Murray’s dedication and work ethic, stating, ‘He’s always taken care of his operations, how he manages his people… he’s so on it to the minute’. This partnership brings back memories of Murray’s successful mixed doubles run with Serena Williams in 2019, where they reached the third round.The mixed doubles event is set to start on Friday, with first-round matches also being played on Saturday. As Murray prepares for his Wimbledon swansong, fans in England will have the opportunity to bid farewell to one of their most celebrated tennis stars.
Key points
- Andy Murray will play mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon 2024.
- Murray withdrew from singles due to recovery from back surgery but will compete in men’s doubles with his brother Jamie.
- This will be Murray’s final Wimbledon appearance before his planned retirement after the Paris Olympics.
- The Murray-Raducanu partnership is generating excitement among fans and in the tennis community.
