Britain's Jamie Murray won his second Wimbledon mixed doubles title – 10 years after his first – partnering Martina Hingis to a 6-4, 6-4 win over the defending champions, Henri Kontinen and Heather Watson.
Murray and Jelena Jankovic won in 2007 and now he has helped Hingis to a 23rd career Grand Slam title. It meant Watson and Kontinen failed to mount a successful defence, last achieved in 1997 by Cyril Suk and Helena Sukova.
Watson's serve proved to be the most vulnerable of the four and she only held once. The British right-hander also put a straightforward overhead smash out of play to give Murray and Hingis match point.
It was a contest that proved difficult for the Centre Court crowd to get into as their loyalties were largely split between the British players. At one point, one fan shouted, “Come on, all of you!”, and while it was good contest, the crowd wanted a third set.
Kontinen and Watson were unseeded, just as they were last year, due to Watson’s low ranking, but they once again proved to be a successful and popular double act.
However, Murray and Hingis were the No.1 seeds and performed to that ranking throughout their first campaign together, culminating in them holding the trophies aloft in the Royal Box.
It was Hingis who called Murray to ask if he would partner her at Wimbledon after she split from Leander Paes. Hingis said: “I am really happy I decided to contact Jamie before Wimbledon and I am also very happy it was my British player that won the trophy. I hope we can play in the next Grand Slam (US Open) and it is always nice to defend a title.”
After ensuring the family name would be on the Wimbledon honours board again this year, Murray admitted that he had not been planning to play mixed doubles this year. He said: “To be honest I have forgotten what it was like to win it 10 years ago, and I wouldn’t be here except for Martina making that call. I wasn’t going to be playing mixed doubles at Wimbledon this year. I am sure with two British players on different teams, it was bit strange for the crowd.
“I have had a great tournament with Martina and we knew we would have to produce our best to get the win. I probably would have said no to anyone, but Martina had called and it was a good decision that she called, although I didn’t get the message until the morning and so I kept her hanging on!”
Hingis said: “It was another level of tennis today and we have a really good chemistry. It was a good day for Switzerland, with Roger winning, and he has done amazing things.”
Watson lost her serve as early as the third game but Hingis was also forced to give up her serve and the set stayed close until the second time the British player stepped up to the baseline. Hingis as able to build on the lead thanks to a remarkable point won by Murray, who got his racket in the way even though he was looking away as the shot was hit so hard at his body. It was a case of Murray making his own luck and his net play was outstanding throughout.
I am really happy I decided to contact Jamie before Wimbledon and I am also very happy it was my British player that won the trophy
Kontinen was not able to deliver the bullet-like returns that had been such a feature of previous matches and Watson produced the eye-catching returns in the second set. Crucially, Watson and Kontinen failed to take two break points on the Murray serve, and he eventually fired off an ace to hold in the sixth game. He then combined with Hingis to force another service break from Watson, whose forehand let her down at a critical moment.
The defending champions needed a break themselves, and they did put pressure on Murray as Watson delivered one stunning cross-court backhand return winner to leave the No.1 seeds 15-40 down. However, Murray showed why he is such a brilliant doubles player and after Watson missed that easy overhead, the match was won in 71 minutes.
Watson said: "We were talking about the atmosphere when we were getting our trophies and the crowd was a lot more involved last year. It was pretty neutral. I would love to play with Henri again – hopefully before Wimbledon next year! Singles will always be my focus, but I want to play more doubles now my ranking is better.”
Kontinen said: “Playing two events is enjoyable and I am sure I will do it in the future. Hopefully Wimbledon is locked in with Heather for next year.”
