WIMBLEDON: Former world no.1 Serena Williams isn’t ruling out the prospect of teaming up with Andy Murray to play in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon.
The American has been mentioned as one of the potential partners for the Brit, who is on the comeback from hip resurfacing surgery. Murray has already confirmed he will play with Pierre-Hugues Herbert but has had difficulty finding somebody to play with in the mixed. Although players have put their names forward in recent days.
Shortly after her 6-2, 7-5, win over Italian qualifier Giulia Gatto-Monticone in the first round, Williams remained coy about the prospect of doubles duty. Refusing to rule herself out of the running.
“This is crazy. I don’t know. I’m still kind of in the singles mode, trying to figure that part out. We’ll see. I could use extra matches, though, so… Could be something.” She said with a smile during her press conference.
Pressed further, the 37-year-old said she was unsure about the probability of playing with Murray at The All England Club. Going on to joke with the media that she would do if they wanted her to during a light-hearted exchange.
Q. We do really want it.
SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah? All right, done, just for you guys. Don’t forget.
Q. That is a yes, you’re going to do it?
SERENA WILLIAMS: If you guys want it.
Q. I really do.
SERENA WILLIAMS: Just for you then (laughter).
Q. Have you spoken to Andy then?
SERENA WILLIAMS: Not recently, no.
It is not a usual decision for somebody like Williams to ponder to play in the mixed doubles. Especially given the fact she has been hit with issues concerning her knee and ankle already this year. The last time she played in the draw at Wimbledon was back in 1998 when she lifted the title alongside Max Mirnyi.
One of the things which attract Williams to a potential collaboration with Murray is the work ethic of the Brit and his vocal support for women’s rights. Something the 23-time grand slam champion has praised him for before.
“His work ethic is just honestly off the charts. That’s something I’ve always respected about him. His fitness, everything. To do what he’s done in an era where there’s so many other great male tennis players, so much competition, to rise above it, not many people have done it. He’s actually one of the few.” She said.
“There are so many things to be admired. Above all, he really stands out, he really speaks up about women’s issues no matter what. You can tell he has a really strong woman in his life. I think above all that is just fantastic.”
Update: Murray has confirmed he will play with Williams
