Tennis

Wimbledon: Andy Murray Receives Emotional Centre Court Tribute After Doubles Defeat

Murray and brother Jamie suffered a 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 defeat to Australian pair John Peers and Rinky Hijikata, two days after he announced he would not participate in the singles

Andy Murray was visibly emotional after Thursday's match
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Andy Murray said he wished he could play on forever after his final Wimbledon began with a doubles defeat alongside brother Jamie on an emotional Centre Court.  (More Tennis News)

Murray and brother Jamie suffered a 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 defeat to Australian pair John Peers and Rinky Hijikata, two days after he announced he would not participate in the singles.

The two-time Wimbledon champion, who underwent back surgery just over a week ago, has since announced he will pair up with Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles. 

Following his doubles match on Thursday, the likes of John McEnroe and Novak Djokovic were invited onto Centre Court for an emotional ceremony to mark his achievements at the tournament, which he won in 2013 and 2016.

In an interview with BBC Sport's Sue Barker, Murray said of teaming up with his elder brother: "It was obviously really special, I never had the chance to do it before. 

"The way things worked out, there was a chance this year and it was a race against time.

"Physically it wasn't easy but I'm glad we could get out here and do it just one time together."

Murray has repeatedly said he will retire at the end of 2024, with an appearance at the Paris Olympics now his target.

Speaking about his impending retirement, Murray said: "It's hard. I would love to keep playing but I physically can't, it's too tough now. 

"The injuries have added up and they haven't been insignificant. I want to play forever. I love the sport, it's given me so much and taught me so many lessons."

Reflecting on his two victories at SW19, Murray said the pressure of winning his first grand slam title meant he could not fully enjoy the 2013 success, but opened up on the big celebrations that followed his second triumph.

"I didn't really enjoy it as much as I should have done, I just found it very, very stressful," Murray said. "2016 was different. 

"I felt way less pressure and the enjoyment I got out of that win was amazing, I could enjoy it with the people closest to me. 

"Of the slams, that was my favourite one. I don't remember much of that night, I had a few drinks and I did unfortunately vomit in the cab on the way home!"