‘MuRena’ dream ends on disappointing day for Britons at Wimbledon
It was a disappointing day for Britons at Wimbledon after the “MuRena” dream team crashed out – leaving just two virtual unknowns flying the flag.
Serena Williams and Sir Andy Murray lost to Brazilian Bruno Soares and American Nicole Melichar in the third round on Wednesday, spelling the end of their much-hyped pairing.
The duo were philosophical in defeat, however.
Williams said: “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.”
Sir Andy recently underwent major hip surgery, while Williams is also recovering from injury.
He said: “We’re celebrating the fact that we’re feeling better – we want to just continue to do better.”
Wild card mixed doubles team Evan Hoyt and Eden Silva are the last ones standing for the UK and are due back on court on Thursday evening in the quarter finals.
The three big names in the men’s game – Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic – made it through to the semi-finals, along with Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.
Success at Wimbledon was a mixed blessing for Agut – it meant he had to miss his planned stag do in Ibiza this week.
The Duchess of Cornwall watched the action from the royal box, accompanied by the Countess of Wessex as well as Mike and Zara Tindall.
Other big names included Dame Shirley Bassey, Dame Twiggy Lawson, Sir Cliff Richard and US Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
Wednesday will mark the beginning of the wheelchair tournament.
British number two Andy Lapthorne revealed he sometimes hits balls with Djokovic and is confident he could beat the Serb in a wheelchair match.
He said: “If me and Djokovic played in chairs I think I would win. He can serve in the chair but he can’t move.
“When he’s out on the court he can crunch it and he’s like ‘look at that forehand’, but I’m like ‘mate, I’m hitting the ball to you, you’re not moving, you’re just sat’.”
The big draw of the 10th day of the championships will be Williams in the semi-finals against Czech player Barbora Strycova.
They will follow Elina Svitolina versus Simona Halep on Centre Court.
