Andy Murray expressed his excitement about the rare chance to play alongside fellow Briton Emma Raducanu in the Wimbledon mixed doubles event, after the duo received a wildcard from the organizers on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old, a twice singles champion, is participating in his final Wimbledon but withdrew from his singles opener against Czech Tomas Machac on Tuesday due to a back issue. He is also competing in the men's doubles with his brother Jamie, facing Australians Rinky Hijikata and John Peers in the first round on Thursday.
Murray, who last played in the grasscourt Grand Slam's mixed doubles in 2019 with American Serena Williams, reaching the third round, said he would relish playing with the 21-year-old Raducanu.
"We discussed it a few years ago during the Covid period, but both of us did well in singles so it didn't materialize," Murray said. "Then yesterday, I talked to my team about mixed doubles and last night I contacted her coach, suggesting it might be something she'd be interested in. He thought it was worth asking."
"I asked her and she was keen. It should be enjoyable. I've played mixed doubles several times when I was younger, and the last time was with Serena. I really enjoyed it, it's something we rarely get to do."
Former US Open champion Raducanu, who defeated Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-2 on Wednesday, eagerly accepted the opportunity to partner with Murray.
"My doubles record isn't extensive but I couldn't turn it down. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a dream since I was a young girl watching the Olympics," Raducanu said. "Andy is a hero to us all, so it's a real honor that he asked me. I'm just thrilled and hopefully I can pick up some tips about approaching the net."
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion who revived his career after hip-resurfacing surgery in 2019, previously hinted that he might not continue his career past this year and could retire at the Olympics in Paris. The tennis competition at the Games commences on July 27.
