The ‘MuRena’ dream team lost their first set this afternoon in the mixed doubles, which are rapidly becoming the most exciting matches of this year’s Wimbledon.
Serena Williams and Sir Andy Murray are taking on number one seeds Bruno Soares and defending mixed doubles champion Nicole Melichar, although the box office pair lost their first set 6-3 on Court Two.
Today’s match follows their second-round victory on Centre Court yesterday. After a bit of wrangling, the pair have ditched Sir Andy’s proposed team name of SerAndy in favour of Williams’ choice of MuRena.
Yesterday the duo won against the experienced pairing of Raquel Atawo and Fabrice Martin, and Sir Andy confirmed afterwards that he had got through another match playing ‘pain-free’ as they won 7-5, 6-3.
Williams had had less than three hours to recover from her quarter-final with Alison Riske, but showed no signs of fatigue during her second outing of the day on Centre Court with a string of stunning winners.
Sir Andy, who has suffered from a prolonged hip injury, revealed yesterday that he will almost certainly not play singles at the US Open, as he warned his return to solo action could take another year or more.
Although the three-time Grand Slam champion said his comeback performances over the last month have made him positive about his future, he is firm on the fact he will not rush back.
And rather than play doubles during the US hard-court swing, he said he may opt to take a break from competition after Wimbledon and focus on training instead.
Sir Andy Murray and Serena Williams stand ready during their mixed doubles match at the Wimbledon Championships today
Williams and Sir Andy (top) are pictured in action against Nicole Melichar of the US and Brazil’s Bruno Soares this afternoon
Sir Andy’s wife Kim (centre) celebrates in front of his mother Judy Murray during the match at Wimbledon this afternoon
Williams and Sir Andy high five during their mixed doubles match against Bruno Soares and Nicole Melichar this afternoon
Sir Andy’s wife Kim cheers him on from the Players’ Box on Court Two at the Wimbledon Championships this afternoon
Sir Andy pumps his fist during the mixed doubles match today, following his second-round victory on Centre Court yesterday
The mixed doubles are rapidly becoming the most exciting matches of this year’s Wimbledon Championships
After a bit of wrangling, the pair ditched Sir Andy’s proposed team name of SerAndy in favour of Williams’ choice of MuRena
The ‘MuRena’ dream team lost their first set 6-3 this afternoon in the mixed doubles at the tournament in South West London
Williams and Sir Andy have been taking part in the mixed doubles at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Williams speaks to Sir Andy during their mixed doubles match against Soares and Melichar at Wimbledon this afternoon
Sir Andy, who has suffered from a prolonged hip injury, revealed he will almost certainly not play singles at the US Open
The ‘MuRena’ dream team lost their first set 6-3 this afternoon in the mixed doubles at the Wimbledon Championships
Murray pumps his fest during his mixed doubles match at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club this afternoon
Sir Andy is playing mixed doubles, but has warned his return to solo action could take another year or more
Murray has said his comeback performances over the last month have made him positive about his future
Sir Andy has said he may opt to take a break from competition after Wimbledon and focus on training instead
Sir Andy and Williams played one day after winning against the experienced pairing of Raquel Atawo and Fabrice Martin
Sir Andy and Williams prepare for their mixed doubles match at the Wimbledon Championships in South West London today
Williams and Sir Andy sit next to each other at the side of the court ahead of their mixed doubles match this afternoon
Williams chose the name of MuRena, which the paid decided on after ditching Sir Andy’s proposed team name of SerAndy
Williams and Sir Andy talk to each other at the side of the court ahead of their mixed doubles match this afternoon
Williams and Sir Andy smile for the fans and cameras as they walk towards Court Two for their mixed doubles match today
The crowds were delighted to get a glimpse of Sir Andy and Williams as they walked towards Court Two this afternoon
A G4S security guard walks in front of Williams and Sir Andy as they laugh ahead of their mixed doubles match today