Murray-canu: Wimbledon fans look forward to tennis dream team

The two British heavyweights will step onto the court together at this year's Wimbledon

Centre Court is preparing itself for a star-studded mash-up, as Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu have announced they'll be playing mixed doubles together.

This Wimbledon will be Scottish legend Andy Murray's last as he'll be retiring later this year.

Due to recent back surgery, he's decided he's not well enough to play in the men's singles tournament.

He will however, play men's doubles with his brother Jamie, and mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu, who shot to fame in 2021 when she won the US Open at the age of just 18.

Asked after practice on Wednesday how it came about, Murray said: "I was chatting to my team and discussing mixed, so I messaged her coach and asked if he thought it might be something she’d be up for doing. He said it was worth asking, so I did."

Despite worrying he had messaged Raducanu too late, he thankfully got a very quick response.

"She said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it’. That was it."

This will be Andy Murray's last ever Wimbledon

For big tennis fans, it seems like a mighty match-up - so we want to know, what other ultimate pairings would you like to see?

In tennis, it could be ultimate legends Nadal and Federer. Or perhaps if you're a footie fan, Ronaldo and Messi on the same team. Or if Simone Biles performed a gymnastics routine with Jessica Gadirova.

Let us know who you'd like to see team up in the comments below.

'It's been my dream'

This isn't the first time Murray has played in an all-star pairing.

In 2019 he played with American great Serena Williams in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon, describing it as a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity.

And he's just as excited to play with fellow Brit Raducanu - he said Raducanu is "obviously one of the top British players" and was "top of the list" as a doubles partner.

Andy Murray and Serena Williams in 2019

Memorable Murray Moments

• Andy Murray has won three Grand Slams in his career, including Wimbledon for the first time in 2013 and then again in 2016

• He's also a two-time Olympic champion

• Andy Murray is actually a Sir, as he received a knighthood in 2019

Radacanu said playing with Murray will be a dream come true

Radacanu seems to be looking forward to getting on the court, too.

Speaking after she won in the singles on Wednesday, Raducanu said teaming up with Murray will fulfil a childhood dream.

"My doubles record isn't exactly the longest or the most vast but I couldn’t say no."

"It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a young girl," Raducanu said.

"Andy’s a hero to us all. It's a real gift and a real honour that he asked me."

The mixed doubles is set to start on Friday, with first-round matches also being played on Saturday.

Don't forget to tell us your sporting dream team in the comments!