“A Special Place in My Heart”: Serena Williams Says In Heartfelt Tribute To Andy Murray

In a heartfelt video shared on social media, tennis legend Serena Williams, 42, paid tribute to Andy Murray, 37, ahead of his retirement from professional tennis. As Murray bids an emotional farewell at Wimbledon this week, Serena started by expressing her admiration for Murray’s “incredible career” and their memorable experience playing mixed doubles together at Wimbledon in 2019. 

“I have to say, I always enjoyed watching you. One of the main reasons, because you’re one of the few players who would be more angry than me on the court, which is a very hard thing to do,” she said, laughing.

“And it may have been a little — an attitude just like mine, let’s just say,” she added.

Speaking of their time as double partners at Wimbledon in 2019, Serena further said, “But to me it was the most exciting thing to watch. And I had the pleasure of playing mixed doubles next to you, by your side, which was such a fantastic experience to do that at Wimbledon nonetheless. And it was really one of the highlights of my life. So I’m just so grateful that I had that experience.”

Wendy went on to highlight Andy’s advocacy for women in sports, which has left a lasting impression on her. “You always speak out so much for women and everything that women deserve. You were the leader in that. The things you spoke up about on, the things you said about myself and Venus [Williams] — so many things about how we were so inspiring, what we meant to you, it really went such a long way in my heart and I will always be grateful for that,” she stated.

Listing some of Andy’s many achievements, including his 2013 and 2016 Wimbledon victories and two Olympic gold medals, Serena confessed, “I’ve always been such a fan, as you are, you know. I will always be cheering for you and rooting you on in whatever you decide to do next. So congratulations on such an amazing career.”

Serena’s tribute came just a day after Andy and his brother, Jamie, lost their men’s doubles match, marking one of his final appearances at Wimbledon. In a moving moment, after a tribute showcasing highlights from his career, Andy admitted to British journalist Sue Barker that he cannot continue to play even though he would have loved to. 

“Physically, it’s just too tough now. All the injuries have added up and they haven’t been insignificant,” he said.

His passion for tennis remains undiminished. “I want to play forever. I love this sport. It’s given me so much and taught me many lessons that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. I don’t want to stop, so it is hard,” he said.

Andy’s struggles with injuries have been well-documented. On June 22, he had a cyst removed from his spine and has faced numerous other health challenges over the years. These injuries forced him to withdraw from this year’s men’s singles tournament, but he is set to play mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu on July 6.