Venus Williams, Jamie Murray win Wimbledon mixed doubles opener

Venus Williams made a winning return at The Championships, earning a first-round win with Jamie Murray.

Venus Williams enjoyed a triumphant return to competition, pairing with Jamie Murray to defeat Alicja Rosolska and Michael Venus 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3 in the first round of mixed doubles at Wimbledon. Williams and Murray will face British wildcards Alicia Barnett and Jonny O’Mara in the second round.

Wimbledon is Williams’ first tournament of the 2022 season. The seven-time major champion had not competed in any discipline since playing singles at the Chicago Open last August. Williams admitted the pairing came at the 11th hour. She came to England with no plans to play but was inspired by Serena’s comeback in Eastbourne and Wimbledon.

“I’ve been trying to play with him forever,” Williams said. “He plays hard to get.

“I haven’t played in a year so you don’t know what you’re going to get. Practice is so much different from a match. It’s not easy physically or mentally or anything.”

Both Williams and Murray are former doubles No.1, with Williams earning that top spot 12 years ago.

I think we did a really good job,” Murray said. “It was fun. For me, that was what I wanted to get out of it. It was a great experience, playing with Venus Williams. When am I going to get the chance to do that?”

Williams’ doubles bona fides are extensive. She has won 22 doubles titles in her career, including 14 major doubles titles, all with her sister Serena Williams. In mixed doubles, she is an Olympic silver medalist and two-time Slam champion, having won both titles in 1998. Last year at Wimbledon, she paired with Nick Kyrgios in mixed doubles and won a round before the Australian withdrew.