Andy Murray begins his Wimbledon farewell

Tennis legend Andy Murray has begun his Wimbledon farewell as stepped out on Centre Court for his doubles match with his brother Jamie this evening. 

His wife, Kim Sears, two of his children and his mother and father Judy and William Murray, were spotted watching on from the players’ box.

The Scots duo lost a tight first set in a tiebreaker but clinched an early break in the second.

The two-time-former champion was forced to bow out of the singles on Monday with a back injury to the heartbreak of scores of British fans. 

But the Scots star – who underwent spinal surgery just 12 days ago- has committed to playing in both doubles competitions, teaming up with Emma Raducanu in the mixed.  

Andy and Jamie are up against Australian pair John Peers and Rinky Hijikata tonight and it is unlikely to be an easy match. 

Jamie knows Peers’ game inside out and vice versa – as the pair played together for three years, reaching the Wimbledon final in 2015. 

Hijikta won the Australian Open doubles title this year and is also ranked World No 77 in singles. 

But doubles matches are hard to predict and the Murray brothers are a fearsome combination.

Their overall record together is 35 wins and 25 losses but in the Davis Cup they have won all six ties they have played. 

The All England Club has broken with tradition tonight to play a first round doubles match on Centre Court. 

It is the first time an opening round has been played on the court since 1995, when legendary Australian duo Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge took to the arena.

Thousands of spectators had camped out in Wimbledon Park earlier this week in the hope of seeing the Scots star in singles action.  

In a statement, Murray’s team said: ‘Despite working incredibly hard on his recovery since his operation just over a week ago, Andy has taken the very difficult decision not to play the singles this year.

‘He is extremely disappointed but has confirmed that he will be playing in the doubles with Jamie and looks forward to competing at Wimbledon for the last time.’

The married father of four, 37, was forced to retire from his second-round match at Queen’s Club last month. Scans later revealed he had a spinal cyst.

His last-minute announcement led to a flood of tributes from fans, colleagues and pundits, with former British No 1 and Mail columnist John Lloyd describing him as ‘the greatest athlete in British sport, ever’. 

Lloyd said: ‘It’s devastating news because it’s not the way he would have wanted to go out. He’d have loved to have given the British fans another look at him. 

‘For him to have played on Centre another time would have been special. Maybe he’ll do it in the doubles, but it’s very sad news for such a great, great player.’

‘When you think of the era that he was in, with [Rafael] Nadal, [Novak] Djokovic, [Roger] Federer, for him to have won three Slams, Olympic gold, Davis Cup… I remember just the courage, the fire, the will to win he’s had. You can’t teach that. We’re going to miss him. He’s the greatest athlete… in British sport, ever.’

Ex British No 1 Tim Henman said of Murray: ‘He’s won three grand slams, two Olympic golds, he goes way beyond tennis.’

 The All England Lawn Tennis Club said on X, formerly Twitter: ‘Andy – we’re sorry to hear you won’t be playing singles this year. But we are so looking forward to seeing you compete in the doubles and celebrating all the memories you have given us.’

Murray made his Wimbledon debut in 2005. His first win came in 2013 and he lifted the trophy a second time in 2016.If his health allows, Murray is due to make a final appearance at the Olympics in Paris later this month.