Tennis: Murray’s Wimbledon farewell: emotions and double defeat

Former world number one Andy Murray, who is about to retire, was celebrated with enthusiasm and great emotion after his first-round defeat in the doubles match at Wimbledon. The fact that the Scottish tennis pro and his brother Jamie Murray lost 6:7 (6:8), 4:6 to the Australians Rinky Hijikata and John Peers was completely overshadowed.

Farewell to tennis icons

After the end of the match, the spectators rose from their seats for the 2013 and 2016 Wimbledon champion. The Scotsman stood alone in the center of attention and was honored with a look back at his career. The 37-year-old Murray was extremely moved, his voice faltering a few times. His family, his parents, record Grand Slam tournament winner Novak Djokovic and tennis icons such as John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova did not miss this special farewell moment on Center Court.

“I was incredibly blessed to play during that time,” Murray said of his rivalry with Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal: “It’s been incredible to have been part of some of the matches at the Grand Slams.” Murray also revealed a few anecdotes. The 2016 title was his favorite: “I don’t remember much about that night. I had a few drinks and unfortunately had to throw up in the taxi on the way home.”

Murray still wants to compete in the mixed doubles

Normally, doubles competition in tennis does not receive such a great deal of attention, even at Grand Slam tournaments. But Murray and his older brother were even scheduled for the first round on Centre Court in view of his impending retirement. The Scot wants to end his tennis career after the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

He had decided not to start in the singles at the grass-court tournament because he was not fit enough in time. Murray had to undergo back surgery less than two weeks ago to have a cyst removed. The audience will also see him in the mixed doubles alongside the British 2021 US Open winner Emma Raducanu.