Andy Murray receives new Wimbledon doubles offer after Emma Raducanu shock

Andy Murray has been offered a new opportunity to compete in the doubles events at Wimbledon, despite previously being turned down by a former champion.

The British tennis star, who teamed up with Serena Williams for an unforgettable mixed doubles in 2019, initially had Ash Barty and Kristina Mladenovic on her wish list.

Barty has now explained why she declined Murray’s invitation, while proposing that they collaborate again next year.

Murray’s mixed doubles adventures at SW19 have been fraught with challenges. This weekend, Emma Raducanu had to withdraw from Saturday’s first-round match due to a sudden wrist injury, prioritising her singles campaign.

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Five years earlier, Murray had found himself looking for a partner after being rejected by two top players, which led to his chance partnership with the legendary Serena Williams. One of those who declined the offer was Barty, citing a busy schedule as she juggled women’s singles and doubles that year, the Express reports.

However, the recently retired Australian icon has now contacted Murray with an offer to make her Wimbledon return following her emotional exit last week. “I would have loved to play mixed doubles with Andy but the singles were my priority and I had already competed in the women’s doubles as well,” Barty revealed to Express Sport.

“I’m not sure my body could have handled mixed doubles as well.”

Barty is back at Wimbledon for the first time since lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish in 2021, working as a BBC pundit and competing in the invitational doubles with former partner Casey Dellacqua. And she could be tempted to play the mixed version of the legends event with Murray next year.

She pondered the possibility: “Maybe Andy will play with me in the invitational tournament here next year?!” That speculation offers the intriguing prospect of two-time Wimbledon champion Murray returning to SW19 for one last hurrah after his Olympic swansong later this year.

Wimbledon has already seen an emotional farewell for Murray on centre stage, after he was eliminated in the men’s doubles alongside his brother Jamie. A fitting tribute was paid to him, with tributes from Novak Djokovic, Martina Navratilova and Cameron Norrie, champions and British tennis personalities who came to celebrate his historic Wimbledon appearance.

In a gesture that reflects the esteem of her peers, Barty also praised the two-time Olympic gold medallist. “Andy has had an incredible career, I have a lot of respect for him. He deserves all the accolades he gets; he has done so much for our sport. Personally, Andy has always been very kind to me. I value our friendship and I wish Andy and his family all the best for the future. He will be missed on the tour,” she said.

The former world number one, now retired, is optimistic about the future of British tennis, particularly with the return of Raducanu.

Barty said: “I think there’s a really good depth of play on both the women’s and men’s side. I’ve enjoyed watching some of the younger players this week. I’ve watched Emma’s games and I think everyone has enjoyed seeing her get back on the court healthy and fighting to win matches.”