It’s remarkable that when we look back at Andy Murray’s Wimbledon career, we’ll remember some of his mixed doubles matches. This is a man, after all, who ended a 77-year British title drought in gentlemen’s singles, earned a second trophy three years later, and won an Olympic gold medal on Centre Court.
You would think that those legendary achievements were all anyone could think of when recalling the Scot’s play at SW19. And yet—who can forget when Murray and Serena Williams partnered for a star-studded mixed doubles team, one of the finest in Grand Slam history?
Certainly not Serena.
“I had the pleasure of playing mixed doubles next to you, by your side, which was such a fantastic experience,” Williams told Murray in a heartfelt video posted to social media on Friday. “It really was one of the highlights of my life.”
The pair with a combined nine Wimbledon singles titles (they each won singles in 2016, but never won another) won two mixed doubles matches in 2019, eventually falling to the top seeds Nicole Melichar and Bruno Soares.
“I’m just so grateful that I had that experience,” Williams said, “and also hold a special place in my heart for you because you always speak out so much for women, and everything that women deserve.”
Murray has long been a vocal advocate for women’s sports. And beyond talking the talk, he walked the walk, in a sense, when he hired Amelie Mauresmo as coach. Murray’s mum, Judy, has always been a strong influence, as was made clear during his emotional interview following Thursday’s doubles loss with brother Jamie.
In her tribute, Serena continued to laud Murray for turning thoughts into action.
“You were the leader in that, the things you spoke up about on—the things you said about myself and Venus, about how we were always so inspiring, and what we meant to you—it really went such a long way, in my heart.
“I will always be grateful for that.”
Thursday’s match wasn’t Murray’s last at Wimbledon—that will be alongside fellow Brit Emma Raducanu, in mixed doubles. The 2012 and 2021 US Open champions are scheduled to play Marcelo Arevalo and Zhang Shuai on Saturday.
Safe to say that a certain American superstar will be watching.
“I’ve always been such a fan, as you already know,” Williams said with a beaming smile, “and I will always be cheering for you and rooting you on, whatever you decide to do next.”
