Judy Murray has clarified her perceived criticism of Emma Raducanu for pulling out of the mixed doubles at Wimbledon.
Raducanu had been due to play with Andy Murray on Saturday evening but withdrew a few hours before, citing soreness in her right wrist, thus bringing the Scot’s Wimbledon career to a premature and unfortunate end.
Murray was understood to be devastated by the situation, and his mother Judy gave a quick reaction on the social media site X, replying to a message branding the decision ‘astonishing’ with a two-word reply: “Yes, astonishing.”
That was taken as criticism of 21-year-old Raducanu, who is due to play her fourth-round singles match on Sunday afternoon on Centre Court.
But on Sunday morning Murray put out another message, instead pointing the finger at the scheduling, saying: “Not sure anyone understands sarcasm these days. Pretty sure the scheduling (4th match court 1 with a singles following day) will have played a major part in any decision making.”
Former British No 1 Greg Rusedski, meanwhile, immediately backed Raducanu’s decision, writing on X: “More than understandable @EmmaRaducanu has pulled out of the mixed doubles. No need to take a risk with the wrist.”
Murray and Raducanu would not have begun their match against Zhang Shuai and Marcelo Arevalo until around 8pm, which could have meant not finishing their media obligations and other post-match duties until after midnight.
Wimbledon had little choice, though, with Arevalo needing to finish off a men’s doubles match earlier in the day and with the bad weather having delayed the singles competitions, which take priority over doubles in the scheduling.
The situation is hugely unfortunate given the momentum Raducanu, who finally appears to have settled into life on tour, has built up on court over the last few weeks.
Her main priority will be ensuring her wrist, which she had surgery on last year, does not become a major problem again and that this saga does not derail her singles run. She practised as scheduled on Saturday but with tape around the joint.
In hindsight, she will probably reflect that she should have turned down Murray’s invitation, however much she wanted to accept it, to avoid this possible outcome.
Last Briton standing
Image: Lulu Sun won three matches at Roehampton to make the main draw before stunning eighth seed Zheng Qinwen in the first round
Raducanu will record her best Wimbledon result if she wins her fourth-round match on Sunday.
Comparisons have been made to her run to the US Open title in 2021 after she beat ninth seed Maria Sakkari on Friday.
But this time she will be the one coming up against a qualifier as she takes on New Zealand’s world No 123 Lulu Sun, who won three matches at Roehampton to make the main draw before stunning eighth seed Zheng Qinwen in the first round.
Raducanu will start as favourite but her wrist could be a concern, while she can expect to face questions about her decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles.
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After the emotional farewell, it’s back to the day job for Andy Murray at Wimbledon as he prepares for a mixed doubles campaign alongside Emma Raducanu on Saturday.
The two-time former singles champion was honoured with a ceremony on Centre Court on Thursday evening to celebrate his career after he and brother Jamie lost in the first round of the men’s doubles.
But the Scot was back on the practice schedule at the All England Club on Friday to prepare for his mixed doubles opener alongside former US Open champion Raducanu.
Super Saturday at Wimbledon
Centre Court from 1.30pm BST
Norrie vs Zverev
Jabeur vs Svitolina
Popyrin vs Djokovic
Court One from 1pm
Shelton vs Shapovalov
Swiatek vs Putintseva
Rybakina vs Wozniacki
Arevalo/Zhang vs Murray/Raducanu
Court Two from 11am
Dart vs Wang
Tim Henman and Andy’s brother Jamie pay tribute to the three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No 1 as he nears closer to playing his final match at Wimbledon and retirement from the sport
Murray had considered playing singles just over a week after back surgery before deciding on Tuesday morning that it would not be a good idea.
The extent to which he was physically hampered was apparent from the start of Thursday’s match, which the Murrays lost 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 to Australian duo Rinky Hijikata and John Peers.
He is entered into singles as well as doubles at the Olympics in Paris later this month, which is set to be the final tournament of his career, although whether he plays singles depends on how he continues to recover from the surgery.
“There’s no question that, even with the physical issues around the hip, I was still able to compete at the highest level,” said Murray. “Not as consistently as I would have liked, certainly not having the results I would have wanted.
“I could definitely still win matches here on the grass once I’m recovered from the back injury. But I don’t want to do that now. I know I could do it, but I have no plans to play singles again.
“Because I knew definitively that that was going to be the last time I’m playing here, the last week and everything has been really emotional for me. Every time I was on my own, I find myself getting a bit emotional and thinking about it.
“Obviously I’ll try and enjoy the mixed doubles. It should be fun. Then I’ve got a family holiday planned after this, then the Olympics. That’s it.”
Watch Murray showing his more humorous side on the ATP Tour in his funniest moments
Raducanu said she had no hesitation in accepting Murray’s mixed doubles proposal and will fulfil a childhood dream by playing with him at Wimbledon.
He revealed Raducanu was at the top of his list when he decided to enter the event on Tuesday evening, and he did not have to wait long for the reply.
“Literally like 10 seconds,” said Raducanu. “For me, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I think some things are bigger than just tennis.
“I think some things are a once-in-a-lifetime memory that you’re going to have for the rest of your life. To play at Wimbledon with Andy Murray, those things don’t come by.
“At the end of my life, at the end of my career when I’m like 70 years old, I know I’m going to have that memory of playing Wimbledon with Andy Murray in a home slam. For me, it was an honour to be asked.”
Dan Khan and Raz Mirza give their thoughts on Andy Murray’s chances, as he pairs up with Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon
Dart dreaming of reaching 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 against long-time rival Katie Boulter.
Dart’s only previous appearance in the third round at a major came here five years ago, when she lost to Ashleigh Barty.
This time she appears to have a better chance up against unseeded Chinese player Wang Xinyu, who defeated fifth seed Jessica Pegula in round two.
Image: Harriet Dart is looking to break new ground by reaching the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time
Dart is ranked 58 places below Wang but did win their only previous match in Australian Open qualifying two years ago.
“She’s a great player,” said Dart. “Hits the ball really flat, low. I’m not surprised she’s doing really well here. She’s been having a phenomenal year.
“She’s been beating some really good players. Jess is an incredible player. She’s also been winning so much on grass. I know that I’m expecting a very tough match. I’m excited for it. It’s another opportunity for me.
“I think for me to be able to make the second week has been a really big goal. I tried not to put too much pressure on it. I wasn’t really expecting too much coming into Wimbledon this year.
“But it means more than anything for me to be sitting here and getting ready to compete in the third round.”
Norrie faces rematch with Zverev
Image: Cameron Norrie upset British No 1 Jack Draper to reach the third round but he faces Alexander Zverev next
Both Thursday’s British No 1 versus No 2 battles went the way of the lower-ranked player, with Cameron Norrie finding his best form for months to see off Jack Draper.
Norrie lost top spot in the domestic rankings to Draper a couple of weeks ago after a difficult run but was delighted with his showing against his younger compatriot and now faces a rematch against fourth seed Alexander Zverev.
The pair met in the fourth round of the Australian Open this year, when Norrie pushed Zverev to a deciding tie-break before losing out in five sets.
“My level’s been really good,” said Norrie. “I’ve been losing a lot of close matches recently, so nice to win one of those, especially in a grand slam.
“I’m building. It doesn’t get any easier. I’m going to have to keep raising my level. I’m looking forward to the match. It’s against another top player. He’s in form. He’s serving well. He likes the grass.
“All the skills that I’ve been practising I can use 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 a really tough, tough draw for me.”
British tennis stars Cameron Norrie and Emma Raducanu revealed what their ideal days away from tennis would look like!
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Andy Murray was given a hero’s reception as he began his final Wimbledon
alongside his brother Jamie but the Centre Court crowd could not inspire them to victory.
Playing together in men’s doubles at the All England Club for the first time, the pair had hoped to write a memorable last chapter in an incredible story.
But the two-time former singles champion and seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion Jamie were beaten 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 by Australian duo Rinky Hijikata and John Peers.
Murray’s final rodeo on the most important stage of all has arrived. Denied the chance to play singles by his troublesome back, the Scot fittingly signed up for a fraternal pairing before adding mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu.
The excitement fizzing around Centre Court was reminiscent of the atmosphere before a final rather than a first-round doubles match, which are usually relegated to the outside courts in the gloaming.
The brothers’ father Willie made a rare appearance in their support box along with mother Judy, Andy’s wife Kim and his oldest two daughters, eight-year-old Sophia and six-year-old Edie.
Image: Murray (right) and Jamie Murray were all smiles despite defeat
As the doors opened to welcome the players on to the court, the packed crowd rose together to acclaim the two-time singles champion.
The tennis seemed almost incidental, but it would go against everything that has made Andy so loved and respected if his main priority was not trying to win the match.
It took less than three games for the 37-year-old to wince and hold his lower back after an awkward movement but he quickly shrugged it off, and there was nothing to choose between the pairs until the tie-break, when the Australian duo saved a set point before taking their first opportunity.
A collective groan grew louder when Andy faced three break points in the opening game of the second set but he saved all of them and then let out a huge roar when the brothers clinched the first break of serve.
The Murrays are unbeaten together in Davis Cup but the last of those matches came nearly eight years ago and they were not always in sync here. A break up quickly shifted to a break down and, soon after, an early exit.
“It was really special, we never got the chance to do it before, the way it worked out there was a chance this year, he asked me and it was a bit of a race against time to get out here, it physically wasn’t easy but I’m glad we were able to get out here and do it one time together,” said Andy.
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We look back at the Wimbledon career of Andy Murray.
2005 – Wimbledon bow
An 18-year-old Murray made his senior Wimbledon bow and there were high hopes for the teenager after his victory at the US Open juniors the previous year. Wins over George Bastl and 14th seed Radek Stepanek only added to the hype.
He faced David Nalbandian in the third round and had the former finalist on the ropes – winning the first two sets – and almost on the canvas until cramp set in and Murray eventually lost in five thrilling sets 6-7 (4-7) 1-6 6-0 6-4 6-1.
The teenage wildcard proved his world-class potential on Centre Court and walked off to a standing ovation.
2006 – Below-par performance
Murray returned to Wimbledon the following year as Britain’s No 1. With an ATP Tour title under his belt, he set up a meeting with ever-popular American Andy Roddick in round three.
The home crowd roared the teenager on and he responded in style to comfortably defeat Roddick in straight sets.
He was unable to repeat the feat in the next round, however, as he succumbed to flamboyant Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-2) in rather subdued fashion on Centre Court.
2008 – The Gasquet grind
A wrist injury forced Murray to miss the 2007 championships, but the home favourite was back in 2008 and eager to make his mark. Having coasted through his first three encounters, the flying Scotsman went up against Richard Gasquet and his beautiful backhand in round four.
The match turned out to be a classic with Murray fighting back from two sets down to win 5-7 3-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 6-4 and reach his first Wimbledon quarter-final.
A certain Rafael Nadal lay in wait and, despite high hopes, the Spaniard dominated the match as he stormed towards his maiden Wimbledon title.
2009 – Under the lights
With his conqueror from the previous year absent through injury, Murray was the top seed in his half of the draw. He survived a scare in the fourth round against Stan Wawrinka in another dramatic five-set win.
It was the first full match played under the Centre Court roof and it became a classic. The Scot had to dig deep to win it as the match ended at 10.38pm BST – it was the latest finish in Wimbledon history.
Image: Under the lights on Centre Court. It didn’t disappoint!
Following that epic victory, he beat Spain’s Juan Carlos Ferrero in straight sets to reach the semi-finals.
Roddick was Murray’s opponent in his first Wimbledon semi-final and the British No 1 was widely expected to see off the American. However, Roddick took advantage of Murray’s cautious approach to win in four sets.
2010 – Semi-final sorrow
The Queen was present to see the highlight of Murray’s 2010 campaign at the All England Club – a crushing straight-sets win over Frenchman Gilles Simon. A quarter-final with another French star, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, provided Murray’s first real test, with the Scot winning in four sets.
The world No 4 faced the daunting task of overcoming Nadal if he wanted to reach his first Wimbledon final. But Nadal proved too strong again, winning in straight sets, 6-4 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.
2011 – Ruthless Rafa
Another year, another semi-final defeat for Britain’s finest. Nadal was once more the opponent on the opposite side of the net. Murray started well and took the first set 7-5. But things started to unravel from there, and it was the Spaniard who romped to a four-set victory.
2012 – Runner-up
Murray made harder work than in previous years of making the latter stages of the tournament. He required four sets to beat Ivo Karlovic, Baghdatis and David Ferrer to reach the semi-finals, where he dropped another set but comfortably beat Tsonga to reach his first Wimbledon final.
Six-time champion Roger Federer stood in the way of Murray winning his first Grand Slam title. A fantastic start saw Murray take the first set 6-4, but the Swiss ace hit back to win the next three and claim the title.
Murray’s revenge came just weeks later as he crushed Federer in the Olympic final, which was also held at the All England Club.
Image: Olympic gold
2013 – The dream comes true
Murray finally realised his lifelong dream in 2013 when he became Britain’s first Wimbledon men’s singles champion for 77 years after beating Novak Djokovic in an historic final.
Image: The wait is finally over for Murray
He was in ice-cool form in the searing heat of Centre Court to grind down the 2011 champion, 6-4 7-5 6-4.
The US Open champion’s second Grand Slam triumph saw him become the first Briton since Fred Perry in 1936 to win the men’s crown at the All England Club.
2014 – Disappointing defence
Murray had a new face in his corner for the grass-court season after appointing former women’s world No 1 Amelie Mauresmo as his coach.
He looked in decent touch in the early rounds as he reached the quarter-finals without dropping a set.
But he surprisingly fell well short as he exited the tournament with a humbling 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 defeat by Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian’s big serve, variety of shots and athletic defence proved the difference.
2015 – Inspirational Federer
Murray dropped just two sets en route to another Wimbledon semi-final and, with realistic hopes of reaching his third final at the All England Club, he came up against Federer, who was a week short of his 34th birthday.
The cerebral Swiss provided a masterclass in serving, so much so that at one point in the match Murray shouted towards his box: “What do you want me to do?”
Image: The drama on Henman Hill was palpable
Federer went an astonishing 45 minutes without dropping a point behind his ultra-reliable first serve as he romped to a 7-5 7-5 6-4 victory.
2016 – Double champion
Image: Wimbledon champion
With Djokovic the victim of a shock early exit, Milos Raonic dumped Federer out in their semi-final to earn a spot opposite Murray in the final. His 11th Grand Slam final was the first against an opponent other than Djokovic or Federer.
Image: He did it again!
But the afternoon was all about the man from Dunblane, who romped to a straight-sets win to become a two-time winner and this time he soaked it all in.
2017 and 2018 – Hip problems
Murray was hampered by a hip injury as he was knocked out in the quarter-finals by Sam Querrey in 2017. He pulled out of the 2018 tournament, the day before it was set to begin. He said: “Playing best-of-five-set matches might be a bit too soon in the recovery process.”
2019 – The comeback
Image: Murray and Williams were the dream team of Wimbledon in 2019
Murray returned to Grand Slam tennis less than six months after having hip resurfacing surgery. He competed with France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the men’s doubles, and the mixed doubles with none other than the great Serena Williams.
The Herbert combination did not quite gel, but the ‘Mur-rena’ dream team fared much better until they fell to top seeds Bruno Soares and Nicole Melicha in the fourth round.
2021 – Return from groin injury
Having seen Wimbledon cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Murray made his return in 2021 on the back of nursing a groin injury for three months.
He would feature as a wild card at Queen’s where he lost to first seed Matteo Berrettini in the second round, before securing a wild card for Wimbledon. Murray opened with wins over Nikoloz Basilashvili and qualifier Oscar Otte only to suffer defeat to Denis Shapovalov in the third round.
2022 – Back in the top 50
Murray logged impressive victories over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios in Stuttgart before losing to Berrettini in three sets, with his form lifting him back into the top 50 for the first time since 2018 at No 47.
He was later ruled out of Queen’s due to injury, but returned to Wimbledon to overcome James Duckworth over four sets in the opening round followed by a second-round defeat to big-serving John Isner.
2023 – Tsitsipas epic
Murray and Tsitsipas treated the Centre Court crowd to a thriller as the pair traded excellence in a back-and-forth classic under the lights.
Murray had arrived ranked 40th in the world and came from a set down to build a 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 advantage only for the second-round match to be halted due to the 11pm curfew at Wimbledon.
The delay would prove a cruel dent to Murray’s momentum, with Tsitsipas returning refreshed the following day to march to a 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (7-2) 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 victory after four hours and 40 minutes.
2024 – Murray’s farewell
Image: Jamie and Andy prepare to play doubles at Wimbledon on his farewell appearance
Murray, 37, is playing in his final Wimbledon but pulled out of his singles opener against Czech Tomas Machac on Tuesday due to a back problem.
Murray is competing in the men’s doubles with his brother Jamie, while also teaming up with fellow Briton Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles.
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British duo Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu will play mixed doubles together at Wimbledon.
The Scot’s representatives confirmed the pair have been granted a wild card, with Murray looking to maximise his opportunities on his final appearance at the All England Club.
Murray famously played mixed doubles with Serena Williams in 2019, with the pair making it to the third round.
More to follow…
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In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.
Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
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Andy Murray has played his final Wimbledon men’s singles tournament after withdrawing from this year’s event due to injury.
Despite his best efforts after recently undergoing back surgery, the two-time champion at the All England Club announced on Tuesday morning that he would not be taking part in the singles – though he will play alongside his brother Jamie in the men’s doubles.
Wimbledon is a tournament which has defined the career of one of Britain’s greatest sportspeople after he ended the 76-year wait for a home men’s champion 11 years ago, and we take a look at the legacy he will leave behind.
Wildcard debut and the birth of Murray Mania
An 18-year-old Murray made his senior Wimbledon bow in 2005 and there were high hopes for the teenager after his victory at the US Open juniors the previous year. Wins over George Bastl and 14th seed Radek Stepanek only added to the hype.
Image: Murray stormed into the third round on his Wimbledon debut before defeat to 2002 runner-up David Nalbandian
He faced David Nalbandian in the third round and had the 2002 Wimbledon runner-up on the ropes and almost on the canvas – winning the first two sets – until cramp set in and Murray eventually lost in five thrilling sets 6-7 (4-7) 1-6 6-0 6-4 6-1.
The teenage wild card more than proved his world-class potential, as he became the first Scot to play in the last 32 at Wimbledon in the Open Era. He received a standing ovation from a Centre Court crowd gripped by a new phenomenon – Murray Mania.
Getting the crowd on side
In the early stages of his career, Murray was not yet universally popular with the British crowd. But that began to change after his epic comeback over Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the last 16 of Wimbledon in 2008.
At two sets down, Murray appeared to be heading out, but he edged a tight third set on a tie-break and won a memorable evening match 5-7 3-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 6-4.
Image: Murray served up a Centre Court classic in 2008, fighting back from two sets down to defeat Richard Gasquet and book his place in the quarter-finals
“It was tough, and I got a little bit nervous. The light was tough at the end, but it was the best moment that I’ve ever had on a tennis court,” said Murray.
“To come back from two sets to love down is an awesome feeling. It was a privilege and I’d like to say thanks to everyone for their support.”
Rafael Nadal and elimination would await Murray in the quarter-finals but it was clear, foundations were being laid, both on the court and in the stands.
Turning heartbreak to Olympic gold
Murray made the semi-finals in 2009, 2010 and 2011, suffering a narrow defeat to Andy Roddick before successive exits at the hands of Nadal.
Having taken full advantage of the newly-installed Centre Court roof and lights to beat Stan Wawrinka in a five-set thriller at 10.38pm in 2009 – Murray was at it again three years later.
His third-round victory over Marcos Baghdatis would set a new latest finish in the history of the Championships, with match point coming at 11.02pm, just in time for the Wimbledon crowds to catch the last tube home.
Image: So close and yet so far, as Murray’s first Wimbledon final ends in defeat at the hands of Roger Federer
Murray would become the first British man to reach a Wimbledon final since Bunny Austin in 1938, but a showdown with Roger Federer would prove a step too far. Murray won the first set of the final, but the classy Federer came back to win his seventh Wimbledon title in four sets 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4.
Cue tears of sadness and a memorable interview post-match. “I’m getting closer,” he sobbed, as the Centre Court crowd applauded for minutes. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be?
But in a testament to his character, Murray turned heartache into glory, avenging his defeat to Federer to strike Olympic gold at London 2012 on the very same court on which he had lost to the Swiss less than four weeks earlier.
Image: Less than a month after defeat in the Wimbledon final, Murray clinched Olympic gold on Centre Court with victory over Federer
Olympic silver in the mixed doubles alongside Laura Robson did put a silver lining on Murray’s grass-court campaign, but that increasingly elusive first Wimbledon crown was still missing.
Murray’s dream comes true
Following his first Grand Slam triumph at the 2012 US Open, Murray entered Wimbledon 2013 in good form after claiming his third Queen’s title.
Federer and Nadal both made surprise early exits, so it was Novak Djokovic this time who Murray needed to overcome in the final.
Andy Murray’s Wimbledon record
2005: 3rd Round
2010: SF
2015: SF
2020: –
2006: 4th Round
2011: SF
2016: WON
2021: 3rd Round
2007: –
2012: Runner-up
2017: QF
2022: 2nd Round
2008: QF
2013: WON
2018: –
2023: 2nd Round
2009: SF
2014: QF
2019: –
On a very hot day, Murray became the first British winner of the men’s singles title since Fred Perry in 1936 with a stunning 6-4 7-5 6-4 victory.
“It feels slightly different to last year. Last year was one of the toughest moments of my career,” said Murray.
“I don’t know how I managed to get through that last game with three match points, so I’m so glad to finally do it.”
Two-time Wimbledon champion
An incredible 2016 arguably saw Murray at his peak as he soared to world No 1 and defended his men’s singles Olympics title in Rio.
Amid all that, he won his second Wimbledon crown, helped by a thrilling 7-6 (12-10) 6-1 3-6 4-6 6-1 over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarter-finals.
Image: Murray became a two-time Wimbledon champion three years after his first triumph
In the final, he beat Canadian Milos Raonic in straight sets, and little did we know this would be Murray’s last Grand Slam triumph.
“This is the most important tournament for me every year,” he said. “I’ve had some great moments here, but also some tough losses. The win feels extra special because of the tough losses.”
Comeback delivers Murray magic in a different guise
In 2018 and 2019, Murray suffered career-threatening injuries and struggled to get back to his best.
He returned to Grand Slam tennis less than six months after having hip resurfacing surgery, playing mixed doubles with 23-time major champion Serena Williams in 2019, with the pair reaching the third round.
From 2021, whenever Murray was scheduled to play last on Centre Court, it become a must-watch fixture.
Image: Murray’s powers may have dimished after after a succession of injuries but he remained the hottest ticket at Wimbledon
On his singles return, he got the better of Nikoloz Basilashvili under the lights but lost in the third round.
The three-time Grand Slam champion could only reach the second round in 2022 and 2023, losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the latter.
That proved to be the last time Murray played at the All-England Club in the men’s singles, having withdrawn from this year’s tournament after undergoing back surgery on the morning of his scheduled first-round match with Tomas Machac.
The Wimbledon crowd will still be able to pay tribute to him in 2024 though as he contests the doubles alongside brother Jamie.
Thank you, Andy Murray, you made British summers shine that bit brighter.
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Andy Murray’s place in the men’s doubles event at the Paris Olympics alongside Dan Evans has been confirmed.
The Scot’s singles spot for what is set to be the final tournament of his career was announced a couple of weeks ago, with Murray securing entry as a two-time former gold medallist and three-time grand slam champion.
But he and Evans were left waiting to see whether they would get into the doubles, which represents Murray’s best chance of a medal.
It comes amid the wait to find out whether Murray will play in the men’s singles draw at Wimbledon in what is set to be his final appearance at the tournament, with his involvement in doubt following surgery to remove a spinal cyst. He is, however, expected to compete in the doubles alongside brother Jamie.
Jacquie Beltrao brings the latest update on Murray’s recovery and his efforts toward Wimbledon
It will be a fifth Games for the 37-year-old, who picked up gold medals in singles in 2012 and 2016 as well as a silver medal in mixed doubles with Laura Robson in London.
Men’s doubles is the only event where a medal has so far eluded him, with Murray and Joe Salisbury desperately disappointed with a quarter-final exit in Tokyo three years ago.
Injury doubts surrounded both Murray and Evans when they retired from matches at Queen’s Club but Evans’ knee problem was not as serious as feared while Murray is fighting to be fit for Wimbledon following back surgery.
There will also be a fourth Olympic appearance for Heather Watson in the women’s doubles alongside debutante Katie Boulter, who is Britain’s only representative in the singles.
“I’m so happy,” said Watson. “This will be my fourth Olympic Games. It was a huge goal of mine this last year. It will be very special to share it with Katie, to play doubles with her there. We get along super well.
“I’m really looking forward to playing with her. We played a couple times, once years ago on the grass, then just recently at Roland Garros. She’s a great girl. I love playing doubles with her.
“I love being in the Billie Jean King Cup with her, as well. She’s such a good energy, lovely person to be around and a good friend of mine.
“I’ll just lap it all up, take in the experience. So far nothing has beat London 2012. But yeah, hopefully this is a good one.”
Jack Draper, Cameron Norrie and Evans will also compete in singles, while Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski will have high hopes of a medal in the men’s doubles.
Emma Raducanu relates to Murray’s injury struggles and hopes that he will be fit to play at Wimbledon
Wimbledon planners happy for Murray to take time over singles decision
Wimbledon organisers are happy for Murray to leave it as late as he needs to before deciding whether to play singles one final time.
The 37-year-old is battling to recover from surgery last weekend to remove a spinal cyst that was pressing on nerves and causing a weakness in his right leg.
Murray was planning to give himself until Monday evening, potentially after the order of play is published, to decide if he is able to face Czech Tomas Machac.
Murray got a feeling of what it’s like to chat with himself as he was interviewed by comedian and impressionist Josh Berry
Chief executive Sally Bolton said: “We’ve always got plenty of scheduling challenges to face. As he said himself, Andy has earned the right to make the decision and we will absolutely respect that.
“All of us have therefore got to be agile in the way that we deliver our plans, but we’re really happy to do that. It’s very much for Andy to make this decision and make it at the right time for him.”
It would undoubtedly be a blow to the tournament if Murray is not able to compete, although there appears to be a very good chance that he will be fit enough to team up with his brother Jamie in doubles even if he decides against singles.
“We would love to see him on court,” said Bolton. “Of course, if he isn’t, we’ve got plenty of other tennis going on, but I know the fans will be absolutely desperate to see him play so we wish him well in getting on court.”
Bolton was keeping close to her chest Wimbledon’s plans for honouring Murray whenever his final moment at the All England Club comes.
Image: Murray is set to feature at Wimbledon for the final time
“We have got a variety of plans sitting waiting to deliver,” she said. “It really is for Andy to make that call and we’ll be ready whenever that happens. There’s been various conversations ongoing for some time now. Andy of course is very focused on his performance, not really on anything else.
“Once he decides to retire and we all get the chance to celebrate him I think you’ll really see how much he has meant to not just the tennis-loving public but the sports-loving public in the UK. I think there’ll be tears around the house.”
Murray confirmed last week that he is planning for Wimbledon and the Olympics to be the final events of his career.
Bolton hinted that the 37-year-old will join Fred Perry in having a statue somewhere in the grounds once his playing career is over, but that may not be outside Centre Court.
“You could argue that’s a bit of an obvious location,” she said. “As we reflect on the shape of these grounds and we think about the potential development over the road, we’ve got time to think about where any kind of physical celebration of Andy’s career might be.
“And, in any event, we’d want to work with Andy on that and he understandably is not ready to have those conversations just yet. We will make sure we get this right because this is for all time.”
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Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July
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It has been on my mind quite a lot, the one name on everyone’s lips over the weekend before Wimbledon: Andy Murray.
How is he? Will he be able to get on court one final time? How can he after having an operation on his spine just a week ago? How much will it mean to him to have one final goodbye at Wimbledon?
In a way it feels typical of Murray, the situation he finds himself in.
He had an operation on his spine just over a week ago and now, as he has in previous years with the various challenges posed in front of him, he has one more to overcome.
Jacquie Beltrao brings the latest update on Andy Murray’s recovery and his efforts towards playing at Wimbledon
To do this, once again, Murray will be testing his physical and mental limits to do everything he can to get on court for that moment… that special moment where he can take in the applause of the crowds who have supported him in the lowest as well as highest moments of his career – which have largely taken place at Wimbledon.
I spoke to Sky Sports Tennis analyst Laura Robson and we both ended up just full of admiration of Murray’s competitiveness and how the fact he is even in contention to be on court 10 days after he had surgery is a testament to the player.
I watched him practice on Saturday afternoon – our real first glimpse of how he was faring, and he seemed a frustrated figure. It was clearly a session to test out how his body would react to a few rallies, a few sprints and I left that session thinking it seems unlikely he will be able to play competitive tennis against Tomas Machac in his first round match on Tuesday.
This all made much more sense when we spoke to Murray on Sunday, as he explained how although he is feeling fine with his back, it is actually the impact the operation has had on his legs which has limited him.
He is yet to regain full feeling in his legs since the operation, although it has improved every day. Murray questioned himself whether it will improve enough for him to compete against Machac.
Image: Andy and Jamie Murray could play doubles together at Wimbledon
The good news is that Murray will have until Thursday to decide whether he can play men’s doubles with his brother Jamie, which would be a special occasion for him and their family – but would that be enough or the right way for Murray to bow out of Wimbledon forever?
I think the question remains in my mind because I spoke to many players over the weekend about Murray and his potential final goodbye at Wimbledon. It really is eye-opening to see them all, not just pay tribute to him, but also the hope they all have that Murray has the moment he deserves to say goodbye.
I asked seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic about his good friend Murray, who he told me was a ‘legend of the game’ but he also explained just how much it would mean for him to make it on court.
Djokovic said: “He definitely deserves a great farewell from his favourite tournament, the tournament he won twice, the place he won the Olympic games – he should finish on his own terms, we all hope he will be physically fit enough to finish on his own terms and wish him all the best.”
Caroline Wozniacki had a similar tribute for Murray, describing how few players in the history of tennis have accomplished what he has with the hope he can finish on his own accord.
Gael Monfils told me ‘he’s the man, he’s Sir Andy Murray!’ and that all the players will be supporting Murray here at Wimbledon to say goodbye.
It may be easy for many of the players to talk nicely about their fellow player but for me, it is the smiles and warmth with which they talk about Murray. I asked many of the players about their own form, Wimbledon, etc – but often their longest answers were in tribute to Murray.
Emma Raducanu relates to Murray’s injury struggles and hopes that he will be fit to play at Wimbledon
So what is the perfect goodbye?
I was initially wondering – does it need to be in front of a full Centre Court? Does it need to be in a singles tie or will the doubles with his brother be enough?
I left Wimbledon on Sunday evening feeling, well – maybe it does not matter after all.
The legacy you leave upon the thousands upon thousands of fans Murray has entertained and brought along his career at Wimbledon as well as the admiration from his peers… perhaps that is enough for someone that has cemented himself as a tennis legend.
Whether Murray is able to get on court in the singles, doubles or not at all – it feels, as I mentioned before, typical Andy Murray that he’ll be fighting every day, minute and second to see if he will be able to do so.
What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?
Find out all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours
In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.
Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July
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Andy Murray expects to decide on Monday evening whether or not he will make a
final singles appearance at Wimbledon.
The two-time former champion has been in a race against time since struggling with a back problem at Queen’s Club that led to weakness in his right leg, resulting in him undergoing surgery last weekend to remove a spinal cyst.
On Thursday, Murray rated it unlikely that he would be able to play singles, with an appearance in doubles alongside his brother Jamie more probable, but he gave a more upbeat assessment at a press conference on Sunday.
Murray is scheduled to play in the first-round of singles at the All England Club on Tuesday against Czech Tomas Machac.
Image: Murray is a two-time Wimbledon champion
“It’s been obviously a tough 10 days or so since Queen’s,” he said. “Obviously I had the operation on the back, which wasn’t insignificant. I’ve just been trying to do everything that I can to try and get ready to start the tournament here.
“I don’t know if that’s going to be enough. I’ve been practising for the last few days. I played a set today. It went pretty well, but I still don’t have 100 per cent feeling and sensation in my leg yet.
“It’s getting better every single day. Like I said a few days ago, I want to give it every single chance that I can to get there.
“I’m going to play another set again tomorrow. I’m doing some physical testing in the morning to see how far off I am from a physical perspective. Then I will probably make a decision tomorrow evening after that.”
Speaking to Sky News’ Jacquie Beltrao, Murray said: “It’s been really good, considering where I was eight days ago.
“I’ve been practicing on the grass, played a set today and went pretty well – feeling better every single day – hope it continues in the next 48 hours – just will see if it’s enough.”
The last time they met! Highlights of an epic encounter between Murray and Tomas Machac at the Miami Open
Murray could play on if he is not fit for Wimbledon or Olympics
Murray, who won Olympic gold at Wimbledon in 2012 and in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, was named in Great Britain’s squad for the 2024 Games.
He is hoping to play singles as well as in the men’s doubles with Dan Evans at Roland Garros from Saturday July 27.
“I can’t say for sure that if I wasn’t able to play at Wimbledon and I didn’t recover in time to play at the Olympics that I wouldn’t consider trying to play another tournament somewhere.
“But if I’m able to play at Wimbledon and if I’m able to play at the Olympics, that’s most likely going to be it.”
Olympic entries will be confirmed next week but there is an injury doubt around Evans, who suffered a knee injury after slipping and falling at Queen’s.
Murray said he has a family holiday scheduled after the Olympics and is not planning on travelling over to New York for the US Open, which is live on Sky Sports between Monday August 26 and Sunday September 8.
Murray got a feeling of what it’s like to chat with himself as he was interviewed by comedian and impressionist Josh Berry
‘Special sportsman Murray deserves to go out with a bang’
Sky News’ Jacquie Beltrao:
“Murray does want to say goodbye so it is the worst possible timing for him when he is planning his retirement.
“He wants that to go perfectly considering how much work he has put into this sport, into his multiple rehabs.
“He deserves to go out with a bang on a tennis court and not limping off the way he did at Queen’s. I think he feels that.
“Having won at Wimbledon twice, ending the 77-year wait for a British men’s singles champion, having won the Davis Cup, having won the ATP finals, having won the US Open… all of those things in the golden era of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
“He really is a special sportsman and deserves [a fitting send-off].”
What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?
Find out all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours
In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.
Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July
Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.
