Ash Barty has opened up on her decision to turn down Andy Murray’s mixed doubles invitation at Wimbledon during her playing days.
The retired three-time Grand Slam champion was asked to join forces with the Brit back in 2019 but declined, and Murray went on to team up with Serena Williams.
Murray will now compete in the mixed doubles draw at Wimbledon for the first time since as he and Emma Raducanu have received a wildcard.
Ahead of Murray and Raducanu’s debut in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon, Barty explained why she turned down a similar invitation from the former world No. 1 five years ago
Murray famously linked up with Serena Williams at SW19 and ‘Murrena’ reached the third round before crashing out. But the iconic American wasn’t his first choice for a partner, as he also sought out Barty and Kristina Mladenovic, who both rejected him.
Reacting to the news of the Murray and Raducanu dream team, Barty told the BBC: “Yeah, smart decision. I was silly enough when Andy asked me to play one year, my heartstrings were pulling, physically I wasn’t in the place to which he will understand.
And the 28-year-old is excited to see Raducanu get the opportunity that she previously passed up on. “But Emma is going to have so much fun with Andy. He’s a brilliant guy, great sense of humour, unbelievable tennis player. What an occasion,” she added.
Barty also shared her thoughts on Murray’s legacy as the three-time Major winner prepares to play his final Wimbledon. The Australian continued: “His impact has been global, hasn’t it? It’s not only been here in the UK for young boys and girls to dream big and almost understand what it takes to come from not a lot and come out here onto biggest stage and enjoy everything.
Murray will also compete in the men’s doubles draw at Wimbledon with his brother Jamir for the first time and their first-round match has been scheduled for Centre Court on Thursday.
“I love Andy as a person, I love him as an athlete. He’s had an exceptional career and it’s really nice that he can come out here and enjoy one last Wimbledon with his brother,” Barty added.
“I mean, I know he would’ve loved to have done it on the singles court but to be out there with your brother is pretty amazing.”
