Andy Murray will play mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon to prolong his farewell at the All England Club.
Murray failed in his bid to be fit in time to play in the singles competition, pulling out on Tuesday morning ahead of facing Tomas Machac on Centre Court in round one.
But he practised for an hour-and-a-half with brother Jamie at Aorangi Park on Tuesday and they have already committed to playing in the men’s doubles together.
Now Murray Jr will pair up with Raducanu in the mixed event to give fans at the All England Club more opportunity to say goodbye to the two-time singles champion.
The all-British mixed doubles pairing have received a wildcard from the tournament in order to compete.
Murray texted Raducanu last night at 9pm to ask if she wanted to play with him and replied quickly to say, “yes, let’s do it”.
“It should be fun,” he said. “Last time I played [mixed doubles] with Serena and I reallyenjoyed it. It’s something we rarely get to do it. It’s the last chance to do it.”
For Raducanu, it is a rare foray into doubles and Murray added: “She’s unbelievably competitive and likes playing on the big stadiums with crwods. I expect she’ll deal with that really well. I’ve always enjoyed the mixed doubles so I think it will be good.”
Murray has said that this year’s Wimbledon will be his last before he officially retires at the Olympics Games in a few weeks’ time.
He is entered to play in both the singles and men’s doubles in Paris with Dan Evans, if both players are fully fit. Evans has had his own injury gremlins leading up to these Championships.