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Andy Murray, the British tennis star, made his final Wimbledon appearance at the Centre Court in SW19 on Thursday, July 4. After losing the first-round doubles match alongside his brother Jamie Murray in straight sets against Rinky Hijikata and John Peers, the 37-year-old teared up during a thunderous applause from the home fans and family inside the stadium.
In a clinical performance, Rinky Hijikata and John Peers got the better of the crowd favourites, the Murray brothers, 7-6(8-6), 6-4. Since Andy Murray had already announced his intention to make his final appearance at Wimbledon this year, the home fans were quite vociferous about sending off their favourite son.
Notably, despite his defeat in the men’s doubles, Andy Murray is expected to play at least one more match at SW19. He will be teaming up with Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles.
During the post-match interview at the Centre Court, Andy Murray said, “It is hard because I would love to keep playing, but I can’t. Physically it’s just too tough now. All of the injuries have added up and they haven’t been insignificant. I want to play forever. I love the sport. It’s given me so much, (and) taught me loads of lessons over the years that I can use for the rest of my life. But I don’t want to stop, so it is hard.”
Apart from the fans and family applauding him at SW19, a tribute video was also played for Andy Murray wherein some of his great rivals, including names like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic spoke fondly about him. Serena Williams, one of the greatest women’s tennis players of all time, also featured in the clip.
Here is the clip of Andy Murray tearing up during fan applause at Wimbledon:
