After an emotional farewell, it’s back to work for Andy Murray at Wimbledon as he prepares for his mixed doubles campaign alongside Emma Raducanu on Saturday.
The former two-time singles champion was honored with a ceremony on Center Court on Thursday evening to celebrate his career after he and his brother Jamie lost in the first round of the men’s doubles.
But the Scot returned to his training schedule at the All England Club on Friday to prepare for his mixed doubles match alongside former US Open champion Raducanu.
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Tim Henman and Andy’s brother Jamie have paid tribute to the three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No 1 as he approaches playing his final match at Wimbledon and retiring from the sport.
Murray had considered playing singles just over a week after his back surgery before deciding on Friday morning that it would not be a good idea.
The extent of his physical handicap was seen from the beginning of the match, which Murrays lost 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 to the Australian duo Rinky Hijikata and John Peers.
She is entered in both singles and doubles at the Olympics in Paris later this month, which will be the last tournament of her career, although she will play singles depending on how she continues to recover from the operation.
“There’s no question, despite the physical issues with my hip, I can still compete at the highest level,” Murray said. “It wasn’t as consistent as I wanted it to be, it certainly didn’t get me the results I wanted.
“I can definitely still win matches on grass here if I recover from my back injury. But I don’t want to do that now. I know I can do it, but I don’t plan to play singles anymore.
“Because I know definitively that this will be the last time I play here, last week and everything is very emotional for me. Every time I am alone, I feel a little emotional and think about it.
“Obviously I’m going to try and enjoy the mixed doubles. It should be fun. Then I’ve got a family vacation planned after this, then the Olympics. That’s it.”
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Watch Murray show his funnier side on the ATP Tour in the funniest moment
Raducanu said he had no hesitation in accepting Murray’s mixed doubles proposal and would fulfill his childhood dream by playing with him at Wimbledon.
He said that Raducanu was at the top of the list when he decided to enter the show on Tuesday evening, and that he did not have to wait for an answer.
“It was literally like 10 seconds,” Raducanu said. “For me, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I think there are few things bigger than tennis.
“I think some things are once-in-a-lifetime memories that you will have for the rest of your life. To play at Wimbledon with Andy Murray, those things will never come.
“At the end of my life, at the end of my career when I’m like 70 years old, I know I’ll have the memory of playing Wimbledon with Andy Murray in the front slam. For me, it’s an honor to be asked.”
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Dan Khan and Raz Mirza give their thoughts on Andy Murray’s chances, as he joins Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon.
Dart dreams of reaching the fourth round
Harriet Dart is looking to break new ground by reaching the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time after one of the most emotional victories of her career over long-time rival Katie Boulter.
Dart’s only previous appearance in the third round in a major came here five years ago, when he lost to Ashleigh Barty.
This time he looks to have a better chance against an unseeded Chinese player Wang Xinyuwho defeated fifth seed Jessica Pegula in the second round.
Harriet Dart is looking to break new ground by reaching the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time
Dart is ranked 58th behind Wang, but only won his previous match in Australian Open qualifying two years ago.
“He’s a very good player,” Dart said. “Hit the ball really flat, low. I’m not surprised he did so well here. He’s had a phenomenal year.
“He’s beaten some really good players. Jess is an amazing player. He’s also won a lot on grass. I know I’m expecting a very tough match. I’m very happy. It’s another opportunity for me.
“I think if I can make the second week it’s a really big goal. I’m trying not to push too hard. I’m not expecting too much coming into Wimbledon this year.
“But it’s more important for me to sit here and get ready to compete in the third round.”
Norrie faces a rematch with Zverev
Cameron Norrie upset British No.1 Jack Draper to reach the third round but he will face Alexander Zverev next
Both sides on Thursday England’s No 1 versus No 2 battle went the way of the lower ranked players, with Cameron Norrie finding his best form for the month to see off Jack Draper.
Norrie lost top spot in the domestic rankings to Draper a few weeks ago after a tough run but was pleased with his performance against his younger compatriot and now faces a rematch against the fourth seed. Alexander Zverev.
The pair met in the fourth round of this year’s Australian Open, when Norrie pushed Zverev to a decisive tie-break before losing in five sets.
“My grades are really good,” Norrie said. “I’ve lost a lot of close matches recently, it’s nice to win one of them, especially a grand slam.
“I’m building. It doesn’t get easier. I have to keep raising my level. I’m looking forward to the match. It’s against another top player. He’s in shape. He serves well. He likes grass.
“All the skills I’ve been training for can be used in this match especially. I played him in Australia. I know what to expect. I’ve never beaten him before, so I think it’s very difficult and it’s very difficult for me.”
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British tennis stars Cameron Norrie and Emma Raducanu reveal what their ideal tennis days are like!
What’s next for Sky Sports Tennis?
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