Has the SerAndy partnership created a new era of tennis?

SerAndy, the star-studded partnership between Serena Williams and Andy Murray, will have to wait to secure their first crown in the mixed doubles of a Grand Slam. But their run to the 3rd round of Wimbledon cannot only be measured against the usual metrics of tennis. Andy Murray’s return to Grand Slam action thrilled spectators in SW19. More importantly though, Murray’s partnership with Williams could prove to be a watershed moment for the sport.

Tennis is alone among all other major sports in the way that it showcases men and women together. Under the same roof, at the same time and while playing the same game at its biggest events. That isn’t to suggest that tennis is free of all issues of inequality as the battle for equal pay and recognition still rages on. However, its journey towards equalitarianism is somewhat unique.

The electric Wimbledon final between Simona Halep and Serena Williams was the perfect showcase for women’s tennis

For over a decade, Serena Williams has been an integral voice in the fight for equality in the sport. Williams was asked if she would “stop fighting for equality, and just focus on the tennis” after her defeat to Halep in the Wimbledon final. Williams responded defiantly, “The day I stop fighting for equality, and for people that look like you and me, will be the day I’m in my grave.” A champion on and off of the court, Williams might have stumbled upon the formula that can return her to the summit of the WTA standings and push tennis ever closer to the prospect of genuine equality.

In the epoch of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, the golden era of men’s tennis, it is easy to dismiss the contributions made to the game by women in the 21st century. A malaise has infected the sport with a prejudice. While that is of detriment to the women’s game and the mixed doubles, things are starting to change.

The electric Wimbledon final between Simona Halep and Serena Williams was the perfect showcase for women’s tennis. It was an unbelievable spectacle, contested by two spectacular athletes. Power, precision and poise. Halep’s masterful performance in the Wimbledon final was what women’s tennis needed.

Williams and Murray created a buzz around SW19 that few other combinations could possibly replicate

Perhaps one of the stories of the tournament, however, was Murry and Williams’ venture into the mixed doubles draw. Beaten in the third round by Bruno Soares and Nicole Melichar, SerAndy brought more attention to the mixed doubles competition than previously imaginable. For a partnership that was unlikely to make it into the final rounds of the tournament, Williams and Murray created a buzz around SW19 that few other combinations could possibly replicate.

Participation in the mixed doubles represented yet another milestone in Murray’s pursuit of a return to the singles court. Serena Williams was able to use her participation to gain match practice ahead of the second week of the tournament. A partnership fused in the furnace of pragmatic careerism? Perhaps, but SerAndy’s impact could help to change the face of professional tennis.

Even in their defeat, Murray and Williams bowed-out of The Championships with smiles

Having Williams, the best female tennis player of her generation, alongside Murry, the most successful British tennis player for a century, can only be a good thing for the sport. The SerAndy partnership generated a tidal wave of fanfare. In the words of Gerald Marzoati, it illustrated “the future that professional tennis should be embracing”.

Even in their defeat, Murray and Williams bowed-out of The Championships with smiles plastered across their faces. To the delight of the SW19, Williams and Murray combined to create tennis’ perfect all-star cast and their delight was infectious. Mixed doubles; it’s good for everyone.