Andy Murray and Maria Sharapova As Wimbledon 2019 Mixed Doubles Partners? This Is What British Player Has to Say

British tennis player Andy Murray has made a comeback to the tennis circuit after months of struggling with injuries, surgery and recuperation. But it is not an ideal return for the three-time grand slam winner. Murray partnered with Feliciano Lopez of Spain to win the doubles title at Fever-Tree Championships, also known as Queen’s Club Championships. Amidst his fantastic comeback, Andy Murray also received an invitation to play mixed doubles in the coming Wimbledon 2019 by none other than Maria Sharapova. The Russian tennis star is also looking to make a mark since her comeback from a doping ban in 2017. However, Murray has different ideas. Ahead of Wimbledon 2019, Here's a Throwback to 2013 Men's Singles Final Between Andy Murray vs Novak Djokovic (Watch Video).

“I mean, I haven't given it lots of thought, really. She's obviously done some - I think she may be won mixed at US Open once? Did she? I don't know. Did she not win it? No, she didn't? I think we played once together in the IPTL before, and I don't remember us playing particularly well together,” Murray stated while addressing the media over possible pairing up with Sharapova. Ahead of Wimbledon 2019, Here's a Throwback to 2004 Women's Singles Final Between Maria Sharapova vs Serena Williams (Watch Video)

Murray and Sharapova have not been the best of friends. And it appears, the Brit is not over-enthusiastic about the idea of playing with the five-time grand slam winner who was banned for doping. “I mean, possibly,” he had replied to the reporters on being asked if it was the reason for his decision.

The entire conversation between the two started after Maria cheekily offered to partner with Murray in Wimbledon 2019, starting from July 1. The Russian had said, “I heard Andy Murray was looking for a mixed dubs partner. Thanks US Open for sending in my resume today.” Earlier, the official Twitter handle of US Open, the fourth grand slam of the year, had tweeted a video of Sharapova’s only appearance at a Grand Slam mixed-doubles event.

Andy Murray vs Maria Sharapova

Murray was one of the big names who was highly critical of Sharapova during her doping ban and subsequent return two years ago. The then World No 2 was quoted saying, "Clearly if you are taking performance-enhancing drugs and you fail a drugs test, you have to get suspended."

Sharapova in her interview with BBC had hit back at her critics including Murray for his remarks. She said, “I don't think it's for them to really have an opinion, because they don't have the facts. So, you know, I think that those are the types of words that make headlines and they will be used as headlines. But ultimately, this is my career, and I faced it head on, and I admitted my mistake, and I went about it and I served my suspension and now I'm back."

Present Day Scenario

It looks like fans will not get to see Andy Murray and Maria Sharapova play together as mixed doubles partners. However, the two look set to make a strong comeback on the tour. After Queen’s, Andy will be playing at Eastbourne International. As for Sharapova, she lost to Angelique Kerber in the fourth round of Mallorca Open. Nevertheless, fans are waiting for her return to Wimbledon, where she won her first grand slam 15 years ago.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2019 02:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).