Andy Murray has expressed his interest in partnering with Serena Williams in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon this year, praising the 23-time Grand Slam champion as “arguably the best player ever”.
Murray returned from a five-month injury lay-off last week to win the men’s doubles title at Queen’s Club with Feliciano Lopez and is entered with Pierre-Hugues Herbert at Wimbledon.
The 32-year-old, twice a men’s singles winner at Wimbledon, also plans to play mixed as he continues his recovery from hip-resurfacing surgery in February. He is not playing singles.
Murray was turned down by new women’s world number one Ash Barty but the 37-year-old Williams, who will be aiming for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title here, left the door open for a possible approach.
“I’m available. I’m feeling better now, so I’m definitely available,” Williams, whose playing time this year has been restricted to five tournaments because of knee issues, told reporters when asked whether would like to play with Murray.
Murray has said that the two would make for a “solid partnership” — but also added that he ideally wants to play with somebody who can give the doubles their full commitment.
“If I’m going to play mixed, which is the plan, you obviously want to be playing with someone who’s going to be there for the whole event, and they’re in it to try to win matches and win the event,” he said.
Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, is certainly in favour of the partnership, telling reporters that it would be a “great move” for the American legend.
“As a coach, I would say that’s a great move,” he said.
“First of all, she loves to play doubles. Second, to play doubles with Andy can bring only positives to her.
“Andy is great, she likes him. He’s an incredible player, he is super-positive.
“Why not? They have to just both decide and then… let’s do it!”
