Andy Murray and Serena Williams will link up to play mixed doubles at Wimbledon, the Scot’s team confirmed on Tuesday evening.
The partnership, which seemed little more than a media dream when it was first mooted on Saturday, had grown increasingly more likely over the past couple of days and, after Williams safely came through her first-round singles test, it became reality.
The pair will sign in ahead of the deadline at 11am on Wednesday, thrusting what is traditionally the least heralded of the five main draws firmly into the spotlight.
I am going to put it out there @andy_murray & @serenawilliams will win the @Wimbledon mixed together this year! He couldn’t get a better partner!
— Greg Rusedski (@GregRusedski1) July 2, 2019
Positives noises from Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, were the first real hint that it could happen, and Murray added further intrigue on Monday when he said he was 90 per cent sure who he would play with and that it could “possibly” be the American.
Williams continued to tease the possibility after beating Guilia Gatto-Monticone in the first round of the singles, suggesting she could do with the extra time on court.
The 37-year-old, who has been battling knee problems for much of the last few months, was in a playful mood in her press conference.
“I’m just going to see how I feel today, then go from there,” she said, refusing to confirm her intentions.
Murray will open his men’s doubles campaign on Thursday alongside Pierre-Hugues Herbert, with the pair taking on Frenchman Ugo Humbert and Romania’s Marius Copil.
Herbert declared himself fit on Monday after doubts over a thigh problem, and there was some concern for Murray’s fitness on Tuesday, with the 32-year-old stopping practice 20 minutes earlier than scheduled and limping off court.
Murray is three weeks into his comeback following a second operation on his right hip in January.
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