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Serena Williams says playing mixed doubles with Andy Murray was “one of the highlights” of her life.
Murray is playing at Wimbledon for the final time this summer and started his farewell with a loss alongside brother Jamie in the men’s doubles on Thursday.
The 37-year-old and Williams teamed up for mixed doubles at Wimbledon in 2019, reaching round three.
Williams, 42, also said Murray held a “special place” in her heart for standing up for women.
In a video on X, she said: “I had the pleasure of playing mixed doubles by your side, which was such a fantastic experience to do that at Wimbledon.
“It was really one of the highlights of my life so I’m just so grateful that I had that experience.”
Murray was celebrated on Centre Court after Thursday’s defeat.
He watched a video montage of his career after the match, leaving him in tears with thousands of fans showing their appreciation.
During his career, Murray has regularly spoken up for women and in 2017 he famously corrected a journalist at Wimbledon who said Sam Querrey was “the first US player to reach a major semi-final since 2009” – Murray interjected and said “male player”.
“I also hold a special place in my heart to you because you always speak out so much for women and everything that women deserve,” Williams said on X.
“You were the leader in that and the things you have spoken up about.
“The things you said about myself and Venus [Williams], so many things about how we were always so inspiring and what we meant to you – it really went such a long way in my heart and I will always be grateful for that.”
Murray, who is still set to feature alongside fellow Briton Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles this week, will step into retirement as a three-time Grand Slam champion – winning Wimbledon twice and the US Open.
He is also a two-time Olympic gold medallist and is set to compete at the Paris Games this summer.
“I’ve always been such a fan, as you know, and I’ll always be cheering for you and rooting you on in whatever you decide to do next,” Williams said.