The Murray-Barty surprise: legend's potential return to Wimbledon doubles

Former world number one Andy Murray has been given a chance to play in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon next year. The 37-year-old is often regarded as the greatest British player in the history of men’s tennis in the Open era in the singles category.

Murray’s career has been marred by injuries, and because of this, he announced retirement at the end of the Australian Open in 2018. The Glasgow-born star, however, miraculously returned to the court soon after.

Earlier this year, Murray announced he was considering retiring from professional tennis because of consistent fitness struggles. Those fears became a reality as the former world number one suffered another injury, this time during the Queen’s ATP Championship.

Murray had to undergo back surgery, which ruled him out of the Wimbledon singles event. The three-time Grand Slam winner did appear one last time in the doubles category, where they lost in the opening round to Australia’s pair of John Peers and Rinky Hijikata in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-4.

Murray was also set to play in the mixed doubles event with Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who withdrew at the last minute because of a wrist injury. That news broke the heart of Murray’s fans, who were hoping to see him play the final time at the mega-event where he has a phenomenal record.

However, the British tennis star has now been given another opportunity to participate in the mixed doubles event next year. That opportunity arises because of the former women’s world number one Ash Barty. The 28-year-old, who retired from professional tennis back in 2022, was recently quoted in a report in which she stated that she is ready to partner Murray for an invitational event next year.

“I would have loved to play mixed doubles with Andy, but singles were my focus and I had already entered ladies doubles as well,” she said while talking to English media outlet Express. “I’m not sure my body would have coped with mixed doubles too. Maybe Andy will play in the invitational with me here next year?!”