Andy Murray Waves To Centre Court Fans During Surprise Showing In Royal Box

Andy Murray Waves To Centre Court Fans During Surprise Showing In Royal Box

Andy Murray received a rapturous welcome as he made a surprise appearance on Wimbledon's Centre Court on his day off from the tournament.

The British tennis star, wearing a white tracksuit, stood out from guests in formal wear as he was introduced to the crowd by BBC presenter Sue Barker.

Murray smiled and waved at fans from the Royal Box, where a host of Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists will watch on as favourite Roger Federer continues his quest to take the Wimbledon crown.

As he enjoyed a lengthy applause from tennis fans, Barker said: "They love you, Andy."

But it was a brief appearance for the world number one, who then dashed off to the practice courts where he had been due at 1pm.

Murray made it through to the fourth round of the competition on Friday for the 10th year in a row, after beating Italy's Fabio Fognini in a nail-biting match.

Rival and seven-time Wimbledon champion Federer will take on the German 27th seed when he plays third on Centre Court.

Beforehand, Serbian Novak Djokovic will continue his campaign for his fourth Wimbledon title as he plays Latvian Ernests Gulbis.

Guests from the world of sport are traditionally invited to watch play from the Royal Box on the middle Saturday of the tournament, and this year the All England Tennis Club are honouring some of the stars from the Rio Olympics.

Murray became the first male tennis player to win two Olympic single golds after triumphing at the 2012 and 2016 games.

Cycling's golden couple Jason and Laura Kenny, who are expecting their first child, were among the Team GB stars who took their seats in the Royal Box.

Mrs Kenny was joined by her Rio Olympic team mate Elinor Barker, while Mr Kenny will have the chance to catch up with fellow men's team sprint medallists Callum Skinner and Philip Hindes.

Also invited were swimmer Adam Peaty, boxer Nicola Adams, rower Helen Glover and five of the gold medal-winning women's hockey team, as well as paralympians Libby Clegg and Georgina Hermitage.

Other action at SW19 on Saturday includes British brother and sister Liam and Naomi Broady, who are playing in the mixed doubles last on Court 18.

Fellow Briton Jamie Murray will hope to reverse his luck as he plays in the mixed doubles with Swiss player Martina Hingis, after crashing out of the men's doubles on Friday in a five-set battle.

British pairing Jay Clarke and Marcus Willis are down to play in the men's doubles.

Crowds flocking to the All England Lawn Tennis Club for the first Saturday of the tournament will enjoy a generally dry and sunny day, the Met Office said.

Temperatures are expected to be cooler but still warm at 26C (75F), after peaking at 28C (82F) on Friday.

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