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Andy Murray and Serena Williams made their long-awaited debut as a mixed doubles team at Wimbledon on Saturday evening.
The box office encounter against Andreas Mies and Alexa Guarachi took place on a packed Centre Court.
Here, PA focuses on the superstar couple's first outing.
Reception
So, do you come here often?#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/feIrz7Bqwl
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 6, 2019
There was a deafening cheer when it was announced that the match would take place on Centre Court, just after Roger Federer finished off Lucas Pouille. By the time Murray and Williams walked out Centre Court, often one of the more restrained sporting arenas, resembled a rock concert.
Compatibility
Like many good relationships, the secret to success in mixed doubles is to keep the woman happy. Williams got her wish to play on the forehand side, and let the Scot know in no uncertain terms who was going for one smash, yelling 'mine'! A break of serve in the opening game probably helped settle any first-date nerves.
Camaraderie
'Ser Andy' get the advantage...@serenawilliams and @andy_murray win the first set 6-4 on Centre Court#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/pFHOzYhyQu
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 6, 2019
The new pairing took a while to get the hang of their high-fives/fist-bumps between points. Murray initially went with a fist while Williams opted for the palm. Williams won that one as well. The standard doubles behind-the-hand conversations came naturally to both as well.
Second date?
Dear Andy and Serena. I'm ready............@Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/rzMf9N6It1
— judy murray (@JudyMurray) July 6, 2019
You bet. Especially as mum seems to approve. A victory means a second-round encounter with Fabrice Martin and Raquel Atawo, in front of what will be another raucous crowd on one of the show courts. In fact, so successful was this first outing that not many people would bet against dates three, four, five and even six by next weekend.
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