Jamie Murray apparently wasn’t planning to contest the mixed doubles tournament this Wimbledon, choosing instead to focus on his gentlemen’s doubles campaign alongside Brazil’s Bruno Soares.

But a call from Venus Williams, a winner of five Wimbledon singles titles and six in doubles with sister Serena, quickly changed his outlook.

The 42-year-old had in fact approached Murray to compete in the 2021 mixed doubles tournament and as the Scot related with a smile: “You can’t say no twice.”

Amid much excitement on No.1 Court, the partnership came to fruition against Michael Venus and Alicja Rosolska, of New Zealand and Poland respectively.

And as Murray and Williams claimed a 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3 victory, the high-profile wild card pairing more than lived up to the hype.

An absorbed crowd were clearly delighted to be in the company of the multiple Wimbledon champions, Murray having also lifted mixed doubles silverware at the All England Club alongside Jelena Jankovic in 2007 and Martina Hingis in 2017.

The fans provided the appropriate welcome, roaring their support as a smiling Murray and Williams led the four competitors on court.

The two hour, 18-minute progression was a reminder of the American’s weaponry, which was superbly complemented by Murray’s experience.

Williams hadn’t competed in any discipline since contesting the WTA tournament in Chicago last August. Some rust was therefore understandable but there were also sharp reminders of her vast ability.

While Williams’ serve initially seemed tentative, she fired the first ace and saved two break points in her opening service game.

Vintage power also featured, with the American at times overhitting but also utilising it in key moments. Williams struck the first significant blow as a perfectly placed forehand provided a break on the Rosolska serve to claim a 3-1 advantage.

The American-British duo maintained their advantage, Murray closing out the 39-minute first set with an ace.

There were also reminders of Williams’ treasured status in SW19, as occasional choruses of “I love you, Venus” broke out among the audience. The encouragement undoubtedly helped her through some difficult moments, particularly in the second set.

After exchanging service breaks – Rosolska first to surrender, followed by Williams – the set progressed to a tie-break. Despite all the support for Murray and Williams, Venus and Rosolska managed it beautifully to secure the second set.

After a short break as the No.1 Court roof was closed and the lights turned on, Murray and Williams seemed invigorated on their return.

With strong service games from both players, smooth communication was increasingly evident; dominating a long rally, they secured a 3-1 lead with a Murray volley winner on the Rosolska serve. The vocal crowd was delighted when they extended that advantage to 5-2.

The capable Murray served for the outcome. Setting the scene with a 119mph ace, he followed up with a volley winner. Match point came soon after, the pair securing it when a Venus forehand went long.

Murray and Williams meet Brits Jonny O’Mara and Alicia Barnett, another wild card pair, in the second round.

There’s of course much ground to cover yet, but also the possibility for Williams to claim a milestone still missing from her long record.

While Williams is one of the most prolific champions at the grass court Grand Slam, her best mixed doubles result is runner-up alongside Bob Bryan in 2006.

“It’s one of the only ones I haven’t won so I usually put a little more priority here,” she said.

Asked if she had arrived at The Championships with victory in mind, Williams was coy yet also pointed: “What kind of question is that?” she smiled. “We’re in it for a stroll. C’mon.”

For Murray, there’s enjoyment in every match he can contest alongside Williams. “It was a lot of fun tonight,” he said.

“We had a good time. So nice to play on Court 1. A load of people come out to watch, or stay out to watch.

“Yeah, it was cool. I really, really enjoyed it. Amazing to be on court with such a champion. (I) look forward to next match.”

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