Andy may mix it up with Serena
AFTER some deliberation, it appears Andy Murray has decided to play the mixed doubles at Wimbledon — and Serena Williams has thrown her hat into the ring to form a superstar partnership.
There had been disagreements in the Murray camp over the wisdom of playing another event as well as the men’s doubles, but the 32-year-old Scot said yesterday: ‘I want to play. We’ve had a number of conversations with a few players and the plan’s definitely to play.’
The deadline to register is on Wednesday. Williams was asked about the possibility of playing with Murray, and the 37-year-old replied: ‘I’m available. I’m feeling better now, so I’m definitely available. Let’s see how my knee’s going.’
Murray responded with dry understatement: ‘She’s arguably the best player ever. She would be a pretty solid partner.’
The American’s coach Patrick Mouratoglou fanned the flames of excitement on social media by Tweeting: ‘Nice mixed doubles team’ with a picture of Murray.
Williams has been struggling with
injury, so it would be a surprise for her to commit to another event, but she enjoys doubles and is a fan of Murray and his championing of women’s sport. A lot may depend on how she feels after her first-round singles match on Tuesday.
Probably more realistic could be a partnership with Serena’s sister Venus. The 39-year-old has won 16 doubles Grand Slam titles, including two mixed.
Another option would be Kirsten Flipkens, who partnered Murray the last time he played the mixed here 13 years ago. Earlier this month the Belgian Tweeted: ‘Wimbledon 2006… Wimbledon 2019, Andy Murray?’
Her interest is understood to be genuine and Flipkens is in fine form on grass, having won the title in Mallorca and reaching the Eastbourne final with partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands.
As for the men’s doubles, Murray and partner PierreHugues Herbert could face Andy’s brother Jamie and Neal Skupski in the third round.
‘If we play each other, it would be difficult in some respects,’ admitted Andy.