Wimbledon 2019: Serena Williams cherishing ‘lifetime experience’ of playing with Andy Murray

The superstar duo lost in three sets to top seeds Bruno Soares and Nicole Melichar

Serena Williams admitted it had been a “lifetime experience” playing with Andy Murray in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon over the last five days.

Williams was speaking after the pair, dubbed ‘SerAndy’ during their short partnership, lost in the third round on Wednesday in three sets against top seeds Bruno Soares and Nicole Melichar.

Despite the defeat, Serena, who plays in the semi-finals of the ladies’ singles tomorrow against Johanna Konta’s conqueror Barbora Strycova, confessed that playing with Murray in the mixed doubles had been amazing.

“I think to play on this stage with Andy, who has done so well here for so many years, is literally just a lifetime experience. I’m so happy that I got to experience it.

“I just love Andy’s spirit, it’s so fun to play with him. I loved having the support – hopefully I can still have it!”

Meanwhile, Murray spoke of his satisfaction at his return to competitive tennis after his hip operation in January, a return which included a doubles title at Queen’s with Feliciano Lopez.

“I got on the court and think I achieved a lot,” said Murray. “Considering the lack of matches, I did okay. My body and hip felt good, so that was positive.

“It’s a lot of physical work now, trying to get stronger really, get a good balance with all of the muscles around my hip. I’m doing some physical testing next week – it’ll be interesting to see what’s happened these last four weeks. Hopefully I will have progressed again. But I’ve still got quite a long way to go.”

Murray, who is unsure of what his plans are now regarding upcoming hard court swing in North America, also spoke of his discontent at the ongoing divisions within the governing bodies of tennis.

“It just seems like there’s so much infighting in the sport. So many different people, organisations, are fighting, not coming together to find solutions. I’d like to see a little bit more unity.”