Andy Murray is progressing along with his comeback to the tour. Claiming the title in Queens with Feliciano López marked the fairy tale start.
Following on from Queens, Murray entered Eastbourne with Marcel Melo. The Brit and Brazilian were not able to replicate the previous week success, losing in the first round.
The former British number one, however is well in the preparations for Wimbledon. The All England Club ensured a place in the main draw for Murray and his chosen doubles partner Pierre-Hugues Herbert.
The Brit and Frenchman have been seen practising together. Smiling and enjoying life, something Murray struggled to do before his hip resurfacing operation. When the Brit announced he was starting the comeback with doubles, the obvious question was would he play Wimbledon.
This has been answered. Entered into the men’s doubles with Herbert and the potential to play against his brother Jamie Murray in the third round. One question remained. Murray had hinted he would like to play the mixed doubles too.
Murray searches for a partner
Having been turned down by Ash Barty, the Brit was on the lookout for someone to play with. It needed to be a player who would understand if he needed to withdraw. Therefore a doubles specialist would not be the right choice.
The difficulty then was which singles player to team with. Obviously a singles player would want to commit and focus on the singles. The weather in London over the Championships would also be a factor.
The current forecast for the Championships is for fine weather. Murray indicated this swung his decision to keep on the trail of a partner. Ignoring the offers on social media the Brit has opted to team up with Serena Williams.
The American is arguably the best player on tour which Murray stated in his pre tournament press conference. The team would be quite formidable. Two greats of the game, combined together on the same side of the net.
Both Williams and Murray have the same will to win, the never give up attitude and the grit to grind a win. Unseeded, the pair have the best chance to lift the trophy at SW19. Although neither have played doubles regularly, the partnership will be the one no one wants to face on the other side of the net.
Both Murray and Williams are coming back from injury. Murray was on the verge of retirement in January, Williams recovering from knee issues. So, although both are on the comeback trail, mixed doubles at SW19 is in for prime time viewing. Grab the popcorn.
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