There are so many highlights to choose from when I think back over Andy’s career, but one of my favourite memories is watching him play on Centre Court for the first time in 2005.
He was a just-turned 18-year-old rookie and had defied all the odds to make it through to the third round, where he faced world No 4 David Nalbandian.
There was no expectation, just a sense of excitement and adventure. I was sitting in the player’s box (my first time there, too) and I remember looking to my left and seeing Sean Connery in the Royal Box.
There was Andy doing what he had dreamed about as a little boy, and James Bond was on his feet applauding him. I was both shaken and stirred.
Jamie was just 21 when he lifted a Wimbledon trophy
Jamie first played men’s doubles at Wimbledon in 2006, and he went on to become the first Brit in 20 years to win a senior title at the tournament the following year.
Playing with Serb Jelena Jankovic, he was just 21 when he lifted the mixed doubles trophy in 2007 – the first of his now seven Grand Slam titles.
They had bumped into each other at the bag-check area on the opening day, and decided then to enter the mixed together – 10 days and five matches later they were Wimbledon champions.
Jamie had never played mixed doubles before at a Slam.
They had a remarkable chemistry and beat several big-name pairings on the way. It was a joy to see them laugh and smile their way to the title.
It was the last match of the tournament, and watching the pair play on Centre Court was fantastic.
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