Andy Murray not surprised by Serena Williams' Wimbledon return after Miami Open conversation - 'I miss it every single day'

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Three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray revealed that he was not surprised by US great Serena Williams’ return to Wimbledon after a conversation between the pair at last year’s Miami Open.

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Williams, 44, made a surprise comeback at Queen’s last week, four years after playing what many perceived to be her last career match at the 2022 US Open.

And the 23-time Grand Slam winner will return to Wimbledon action alongside her sister Venus, as the legendary pair were handed a wildcard to compete in the women's doubles.

Murray, who played alongside Williams in the 2019 Wimbledon mixed doubles, recalled a conversation last year in which the US superstar spoke about missing top-level tennis.

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"She asked if I missed playing," Murray told the BBC. "I was like, 'not at all, to be honest'.

"She said, 'yes, I miss it every single day. I absolutely loved competing and playing. If I could, I'd be back out there again'."

On the prospect of his own return, Murray said: "As much as I would love to, I don't think I'd physically be capable of doing that.

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"I haven't missed the sport enough yet to want to get on the court and even hit tennis balls.

"I don't mind hitting the occasional ball if it's required on the practice court, but I don't think the 44-year-old me will be competing."

Murray is still making a surprise return to tennis of sorts, having joined Jack Draper’s coaching team for the grass-court season.

In April, Murray said he was not ready to return to coaching, having ended a six-month partnership with old rival Novak Djokovic by mutual agreement in May 2025.

"After I stopped working with Novak, I had a number of opportunities to coach again," he said. "I had no interest in being on the road and away from my family.

"It wasn't that I disliked coaching - I just didn't enjoy it more than I do being at home with my family.

"When Jack asked me, I thought about it, spoke to my wife and told Jack that I'd love to help him."

Draper, a former world No. 4, has lost his place in the top ranks of the men’s game after a spate of injuries in the past year.

However, he will start his latest comeback at Eastbourne in a bid to prove his fitness ahead of Wimbledon.

Murray continued: "I think Jack's a brilliant player. There is no doubt that when he gets back on the court he will perform well and win matches at the highest level.

"But right now the focus is on trying to get him back competing consistently again."

Draper: 'Having Murray in my corner has been great'

Draper praised Murray's support ahead of his return in Eastbourne on Monday, when he faces fifth seed Brandon Nakashima in his opener, as he builds fitness and form before Wimbledon.

"Andy obviously has been through so much in his career – many setbacks, many injuries, many adversities, but he always ‌came ⁠through them," Draper told the Lawn Tennis Association's website.

"He was incredibly good at coming back and showing what he’s all about.

"Having him in my ⁠corner has been great from that aspect as well. It’s nice that he believes in my tennis and it’s about the ⁠progress."

He added: "I’ve been injured for a long time. A lot of setbacks, a lot of struggle. Especially in this last year.

"But I’ve kept on going, kept working really hard and I’m just pumped to be back at a tournament, to be honest.

"I’m going to give my all like I always do on a match court. To be here, to be feeling good in my body, to be ready and able to compete, let’s see what happens."

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