JAKARTA - Andy Murray opted paired with Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon 2024.
Murray decided to withdraw from the men's singles number and was replaced by David Goffin (Belgium) at his last Wimbledon before retiring.
The reason, he admitted that his body was not ready to face the hard single five sets of matches. As is known, Murray just underwent back surgery after an injury at Queen's Championship 2024 two weeks ago.
That's why he chose to play doubles. Apart from pairing up with Raducanu, Murray will also play in the men's doubles with his brother, Jamie Murray.
He couldn't turn down double playing opportunities. This reminds the memories of the famous partnership between Murray and Serena Williams in 2019 when they hit the third round.
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Murray also doesn't mind Raducanu's experience, which has only played as a double once, at the Citi Open 2022.
As for Raducanu, partnering with Murray also doesn't deserve to be rejected. The veteran has a lot of experience in doubles.
Moreover, Murray is a world famous tennis player who was ranked one in the world on November 7, 2016 as a single player. In total, Murray has also won three Grand Slam titles.
"In my opinion, the most prominent thing for me was when he (Murray) won in the Wimbledon final, then came back a month later and won the Olympics (2016)."
"I think it's very difficult to get through six rounds, then to the final (Wimbledon), then play a month later and return to the final (Olympics). Your thoughts, without you knowing it, go like deja vu," said Raducanu.
Raducanu further revealed that he was lucky to partner with Murray. He has many good things to do from the 37-year-old senior tennis player, especially about preparing for the tournament.
"I think the biggest advice is how he always takes care of his work, how he manages his people."
"I haven't spoken to him too much. For me, it's like watching him work day after day, watching him really ready in every way. In fact, in training now, he's been so busy to date."
"I was still younger, came 15 minutes before training to do some bending arms, swing my hands, and warm up."
"However, he was there (the training field) for an hour and a half to do that. He did a very good set," said Raducanu again.
Murray's furthest journey at Grand Slam as a mixed double was the third round to take place at Wimbledon 2019.
The British then won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics when they paired with Laura Robson.
Meanwhile, Raducanu has returned to pursue his title after throughout 2022 being absent for injury recovery.
He has appeared in two Grand Slams after recovering, namely the 2023 and 2024 Australian Open editions. However, his journey was only until the second round.
Currently, the 21-year-old also appears in the women's singles number Wimbledon 2024. Raducanu has already passed the first and second rounds.
In the third round, Raducanu will meet Maria Sakkari (Greece) who he defeated on his way to winning the US Open in 2021.
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