Andy Murray wins Queen's doubles final alongside Feliciano Lopez to clinch first title in over two years

The former world number one won his first title in over two years

Andy Murray after Australian Open loss: 'maybe I'll see you again'

Andy Murray and Feliciano Lopez claimed victory in the men’s doubles final at Queen’s Club.

Murray, who wins his first title in over two years, defeated Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram 7-6 5-7 10-5 in front of packed crown in west London.

For the Scot, who hadn't played for six months before this week, it is the perfect return to the game while Lopez adds the doubles crown to the singles title which he won earlier in the day.

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[23 June 2019 12:34 · Tom Kershaw]

Welcome to The Independent's live coverage from Sunday at Queen's Club.

First up, Feliciano Lopez faces veteran Frenchman Gilles Muller in a men's singles final.

Then, Lopez will return alongside Andy Murray as the former world No 1 looks to win his first title in over two years, just five months after undergoing career-threatening surgery on his hip. Murray and Lopez face Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram.

We'll have all the latest updates throughout the day's play.

[23 June 2019 13:02 · Tom Kershaw]

Alfie Hewett has won the wheelchair singles, defeating second seed and fellow Briton Gordon Reid 6-2 7-5 in an hour and 28 minutes. 

The pair will both return though, transformed from enemies to teammates, when they play Joachim Gerard and Stefan Olsson in the double's final later today.

[23 June 2019 13:09 · Tom Kershaw]

In other news, Katie Boulter has been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon qualifying due to an ongoing back injury. 

"The road to recovery has had its ups and downs; at various points along the way I’ve been very close to getting back on court and competing, but unfortunately I’m not quite ready in time for Wimbledon, and on the advice of my medical team, I’ve therefore made the decision to give my recovery a couple more weeks."

[23 June 2019 13:13 · Tom Kershaw]

Andy Murray admits he never expected to reach this stage of the tournament upon making his return. 

It's been just five months since his operation and yet his return has become more than just a showpiece for the Fever-Tree Championships. 

"I didn't have high expectations at all," he said.

"I had a tough, tough draw, playing the top seeds in the first match and I've never played with Feli [Lopez] before.

"I think things have probably got a little bit better maybe with each match as well."

[23 June 2019 13:16 · Tom Kershaw]

Murray's partner, Feliciano Lopez, is being forced to defy his 37 years of age, with just a ten-minute rest between his singles semi-final and doubles semi-final yesterday.

Today, the back-to-back schedule continues with little time to lay back after his single's final against Gilles Simon.

"Of course I'm tired," Lopez said after the doubles semi-final.

"I've been playing a lot this week. I haven't played much because I was injured. I haven't played three matches in a row in six months. My body feels sore but I'm ready for tomorrow."

[23 June 2019 13:23 · Tom Kershaw]

Not long to go now! Lopez and Simon are preparing to take Centre Court and begin their warm-ups.

[23 June 2019 13:40 · Tom Kershaw]

In Germany, Roger Federer has just clinched his 10th ATP title in Halle, defeating David Goffin 6-2 6-1 in the final.

[23 June 2019 13:46 · Tom Kershaw]

And we're underway! It's Simon serving first, dressed in blue and black, while Lopez preps for Wimbledon in all white with a bandana tucking away his hair. The veterans begin their duel.

[23 June 2019 13:51 · Tom Kershaw]

*Lopez 1-0 Simon

It's not the most lethal of starts as both players grind the old cogs into gear and attempt the shake off the rust of a gruelling past few days.

Lopez returns Simon's serve with a flat slice but their groundstrokes are felling well short of the baseline. An exchange of unforced errors carries the game to deuce and the long rallies becomes a battle of consistency rather than punishment.

A weary looking Simon carries his backhand beyond the baseline and Lopez has the early break.

[23 June 2019 13:55 · Tom Kershaw]

Lopez 2-0 Simon*

Lopez is attempting to force Simon into shorter points and avoid the long, tiring rallies that the Frenchman favours. He has already attempted three drop shots and takes to closing in on the net and challenging Simon to pass him. 

Lopez has the upper hand thus far, finding the crisper groundstrokes with Simon still a bit off-kilter and the Spaniard comfortably sees out the second game