Andy Murray’s Wimbledon journey has come to an abrupt end. After his doubles match ended in defeat, the likes of Novak Djokovic and Martina Navratilova joined fans in paying tribute to the Scot on the court. Still, fans had one last chance of seeing him compete at the Championships but Emma Raducanu’s last-minute decision meant they were left disappointed and that Roger Federer couldn’t make amends.

Though in London for Wimbledon, Federer wasn’t able to Murray’s emotional farewell on Centre Court. Unlike Novak Djokovic, John McEnroe, and Martina Navratilova who paid tribute after Murray’s doubles match, Federer was conspicuously absent. The Swiss had planned to be there for Murray’s singles clash on Tuesday, July 2, but a late injury forced the Scot to withdraw. He was also slated to play in mixed doubles along with Emma Raducanu. However, on Saturday the WTA player pulled out of this format citing stiffness in her right wrist.

Scheduled for their debut mixed doubles match on Saturday evening, the pair had to exit after Raducanu announced her decision to withdraw due to a stiff wrist and exercise caution. “I’m disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing with Andy but got to take care”, Raducanu explained.

With Raducanu’s withdrawal, Murray’s Wimbledon swansong slipped away just as Federer, present at the All England Club, yearned for a final glimpse of his on-court rival.

Despite flying to London specifically to catch Murray’s match on Thursday, prior commitments forced Federer to miss the action. He later expressed his regret for the unfortunate timing. “I wish I could’ve been there last night but I already had obligations…I actually took an earlier flight on Tuesday to be here in case he played his singles. As I boarded the flight, I learned Andy wasn’t playing singles. I was like ‘Oh my God.’ I was on standby. Sadly, last night I couldn’t be there.” However, Federer did meet up with Murray before his doubles match.

Federer said, “I quickly went to see him before the match. I could see Andy was extremely nervous and caring for that very moment. Obviously, Wimbledon means so much to him and his family and team.”

Murray and Federer last competed in 2015 in the semifinals at the Western & Southern Open, Cincinnati, where the Swiss toppled his rival. Part of the Fab 4, the two often found each other at opposing ends of the court, with Murray winning 11 times compared to Federer’s 14 wins. The two shared mutual respect which was visible when the Scot showed up for Federer’s farewell at the Laver Cup.

Acknowledging this Federer noted, “He was there for my retirement at the Laver Cup. I was so happy he was around. I hope I get to see Andy. What an incredible career.” Even though Federer couldn’t make it there in person, he was part of the video montage that played on the court as Murray bid farewell to Wimbledon.

Federer did arrive in time for Murray’s mixed doubles match on Saturday, July 6, but Raducanu’s late withdrawal meant he couldn’t see his old rival compete at the event. However, the eight-time Wimbledon champion Federer was spotted cheering on rising star Ben Shelton at No. 1 Court. Federer, whose agency TEAM8 manages Shelton, wasn’t just there for the atmosphere – Shelton was battling through his third grueling five-set match of the tournament to secure a spot in the fourth round, where he’ll face top seed Jannik Sinner.

For Murray, it has been a tough week apart from not being able to play mixed doubles at Wimbledon along with Raducanu. Earlier, he had to pull out of his men’s singles tie against Tomas Machac. Subsequently, he lost in straight sets in a men’s doubles tie to Australian duo Rinky Hijikata and John Deers while partnering with his brother, Jamie.

As the match concluded and his farewell began, Murray found it hard to control his emotions.

Tears roll down Andy Murray’s eyes

As the former World Number 1 played his final match at Wimbledon, he was honored in a special ceremony on the Centre Court. Murray’s mother, Judy, was also present along with his fellow players like Djokovic. As Murray began his heart-breaking farewell speech in front of a packed Centre Court, tears rolled down his eyes.

The Briton said, “It is hard because I would love to keep playing, but I can’t. Physically, it’s just too tough now. I want to play forever, I love the sport. It’s given me so much, taught me loads of lessons over the years that I can use in the rest of my life. I don’t want to stop, so it is hard.”

Indeed, his career lately has been affected by a lot of injuries. He even played with a metal rod in his hip after undergoing surgery. This eventually affected his performances and he couldn’t get back to his best. With this season being his final one, can Murray have one last laugh before his retirement? Let us know your views in the comments below.