July 04, (THEWILL) – Andy Murray’s Wimbledon farewell began with a heart-wrenching defeat as he and his brother, Jamie, lost their first-round men’s doubles match on Thursday.
The Murray brothers fell 7-6 (8/6) 6-4 to Australia’s Rinky Hijikata and John Peers, marking an emotional end to their partnership on Centre Court.
The two-time Wimbledon singles champion, now 37, received a standing ovation as he entered the famous arena alongside his older brother. The crowd, including family members and rival Novak Djokovic, witnessed a poignant moment in tennis history. Despite the loss, Andy Murray remains in the tournament, scheduled to play mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu.
Following the match, Murray was visibly moved by video tributes from tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. “It was really special to play with Jamie,” Murray said, acknowledging the physical challenges he faced. The former world number one had withdrawn from singles competition due to recent surgery to remove a cyst on his spine.
The match itself was a tense affair, with the Murray brothers narrowly missing out on a set point in the opener. The Australian pair capitalised on their opportunities, with Hijikata clinching the first set with a powerful forehand. Despite moments of classic Murray brilliance in the second set, including his trademark roar after a winning shot, the brothers could not maintain their momentum.
As the match concluded, with Hijikata sealing victory via a precise backhand, the crowd’s applause echoed the sentiment of gratitude for Murray’s illustrious career. While this may mark the end of an era for British tennis, Murray’s impact on the sport and Wimbledon’s Centre Court will undoubtedly endure.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
