Andy Murray ‘glad’ Wimbledon farewell is over as Brit admits ‘I didn’t ask for it’

Andy Murray is looking forward to a “fun” run in the mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu after admitting his emotional turmoil in the build-up to his final Wimbledon.

The three-time Grand Slam champion fought back tears during the heart-felt tributes to his career in a Centre Court ceremony after his men’s doubles defeat

But the Scot, 37, appeared almost relieved in his post-match press conference at the end of a draining last two weeks.

Since limping out of Queen’s Club, he has undergone surgery to remove a spinal cyst and returned to the practice court in an impossible race against time to get fit for a final singles appearance in SW19.

Not since David Beckham’s broken metatarsal before the 2002 World Cup has there been such a high-profile race against time to be fit for a big tournament. And Murray has lived out his personal psycho-drama with public daily updates.

The former world No.1 had to settle for doubles – and his limited movement in the Murray brothers’ first round loss showed it was the right decision. “It was hard physically for me anyway,” he said. “I was fortunate I was even able to get on the court to play.”

He had wanted to feel the “buzz” again and get “closure” – and he got that in a tense doubles encounter and a wonderfully warm ovation.

After all the angst and uncertainty, the Scot will partner Raducanu today against Shuai Zhang of China and Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador with a lot less pressure and expectation.

The Scot explained: “Because I knew definitively that that was going to be the last time I’m playing here, the buildup to the match and everything, the last week and everything, has been really emotional for me. Every time I was on my own, I found myself getting a bit emotional and thinking about it and everything.

“I’m glad that it’s done now. Obviously try and enjoy the mixed doubles in a couple days’ time. It should be fun.”

Murray smiled that the video tribute played by the Australian Open was “a bit premature” and he appreciated the All England Club version.