Sporting legends packed out the Royal Box at Wimbledon today in the hopes of seeing Andy Murray’s take to the All England Club grass for the final time.
But the stars from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola to England cricketer Ben Stokes were left disappointed after Murray’s mixed doubles partner Emma Raducanu pulled out of their match at the last minute this afternoon.
It means three-time grand-slam champion Murray’s distinguished Wimbledon career has now come to an end before he retires from the sport later this year.
Other sports stars in the Royal Box today included Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, British athlete Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and swimmer Adam Peaty.
Also present on Centre Court were Welsh rugby union player Alun Wyn Jones, England footballer Leah Williamson and ice dancers Jayne Torville and Chris Dean.
Cyclists Sir Chris Hoy and Jason and Laura Kenny were also there, as was ex-England football manager Roy Hodgson and chef Gordon’s Ramsay’s daughter Holly Ramsay.
Murray was honoured by the All England Club on Thursday with an emotional tribute after defeat in the men’s doubles with brother Jamie.
That came after he pulled out of the men’s singles at the last-minute on Tuesday, having eventually decided not to play just over a week after back surgery.
Murray and Raducanu had been set to face Marcelo Arevalo and Zhang Shuai today in the Scot’s last hurrah at Wimbledon this evening.
But the match has now been cancelled just hours before it was due to start.
Raducanu cited wrist soreness as the reason for her withdrawal after her dominant third round win over world number nine Maria Sakkari yesterday.
The decision to withdraw also means Raducanu’s run is now in jeopardy, with the 21-year-old winning all three of her matches so far in straight sets.
Raducanu said: ‘Unfortunately I woke up with some stiffness in my right wrist this morning, so therefore I have decided to make the very tough decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles tonight.
‘I’m disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing with Andy but got to take care.’