Andy Murray has been offered a fresh opportunity to compete in the doubles events at Wimbledon, despite being previously turned down by a past champion.
The British tennis star, who teamed up with Serena Williams for an unforgettable mixed doubles run in 2019, initially had Ash Barty and Kristina Mladenovic on his wishlist.
Barty has now come forward with her reasons for declining Murray's invitation, while also extending a new proposal for them to join forces next year.
Murray's mixed doubles ventures at SW19 have been fraught with challenges. Just this weekend, Emma Raducanu had to withdraw from their scheduled first-round match on Saturday due to a sudden wrist injury, prioritising her singles campaign.
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Five years earlier, Murray found himself in a scramble for a partner after being rejected by two top-tier players, which serendipitously led to his pairing with the legendary Serena Williams. One of those who declined was Barty, citing a heavy schedule as she juggled singles and women's doubles commitments that year, reports the Express.
However, the recently retired Australian icon has now reached out to Murray with an offer to make a comeback at Wimbledon following his emotional exit last week. "I would have loved to play mixed doubles with Andy, but singles were my focus and I had already entered ladies doubles as well," Barty revealed to Express Sport.
"I'm not sure my body would have coped with mixed doubles too."
Barty is back at Wimbledon for the first time since she lifted the Venus Rosewater Dish in 2021, working as a BBC pundit and entering the invitational doubles with her old partner Casey Dellacqua. And she could be tempted to play the mixed version of the legends event with Murray next year.
She mused on the possibility: "Maybe Andy will play in the invitational with me here next year?! " This speculation offers the intriguing prospect of two-time Wimbledon champ Murray returning to SW19 for one last hurrah following his Olympic swansong later this year.
Wimbledon has already witnessed an emotional goodbye for Murray on its central stage, following his men's doubles exit alongside brother Jamie. An fitting homage was paid, including salutes from the likes of Novak Djokovic, Martina Navratilova, and Cameron Norrie champions and British tennis figures alike turning out to celebrate his storied tenure at The Championships.
In a gesture mirroring the esteem of his peers, Barty too contributed her praises to the twice Olympic gold medallist. "Andy has had an incredible career, I have so much respect for him. He deserves all of the accolades he receives; he has done so much for our sport. Personally, Andy has always been very kind to me. I value our friendship and wish Andy and his family all the best for whatever comes next. He will be missed on the tour," she said.
The former world No. 1, now retired, is optimistic about the future of British tennis, particularly with the comeback of Raducanu.
Barty said: "I think there is some really good depth on both the women's and the men's side. I have enjoyed watching some of the young players this week. I've watched Emma's matches and I think everyone has loved seeing her back out on the court healthy and fighting to win matches."
