Andy Murray’s farewell to Wimbledon began with an emotional yet spirited start on Thursday, as he and his brother Jamie faced a tough defeat in the first round of the men’s doubles. The former champion, a two-time Wimbledon singles winner, fought valiantly alongside Jamie but ultimately succumbed to Australia’s Rinky Hijikata and John Peers, losing 7-6(6), 6-4.
Despite the loss, Murray’s journey at this year’s tournament isn’t over, as he is set to play mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu. Reflecting on the match, Murray expressed his gratitude for the special opportunity to play alongside his brother: “It was really special to play with Jamie. Physically it was not easy, but I’m glad we got the chance to do this one time together.”
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The match was a poignant occasion, marked by video tributes from tennis greats like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, which moved Murray to tears on Centre Court. Career-long rival Novak Djokovic was also courtside, witnessing Murray’s emotional evening firsthand. The crowd erupted in applause when the Murray brothers walked onto Centre Court, and the support from Murray’s family in the players’ box added to the heartfelt atmosphere.
Wimbledon has been the stage for some of Murray’s most memorable moments. His tearful loss to Federer in the 2012 final was followed by a triumphant Olympic gold just weeks later. In 2013, Murray ended a 77-year wait for a British male champion by claiming his first Wimbledon title, and he added another in 2016. The former world number one, struggling with the effects of recent spine surgery, had withdrawn from singles play but remained determined to give his all in doubles.
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The opening set saw the Murray brothers battling hard, even holding a set point which they couldn’t convert. Hijikata capitalized on his team’s set point with a powerful drive forehand down the middle. In the second set, Andy Murray’s resilience shone through as he saved break points on his serve, prompting his trademark roars that have echoed through Centre Court for nearly two decades. The brothers took a brief 2-0 lead, but the Australian duo quickly responded, breaking Jamie’s serve to take control.
Despite the chilly temperatures, Murray’s determination was evident. He grimaced through the pain but still managed to bring moments of magic, like his winning forehand that briefly raised hopes in the second set. However, the Australian pair proved too strong, with Hijikata sealing the victory with a smart backhand down the center.
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In the end, the match was less about the result and more about the celebration of Murray’s illustrious career and the indomitable spirit he has shown throughout. The standing ovation from the crowd and the tributes from his peers underscored the deep respect and admiration for his contributions to the sport. As Murray continues in the mixed doubles, fans will undoubtedly cherish every remaining moment of his Wimbledon swan song.
