By Claire Rutter
With Andy Murray taking his final bow at Wimbledon this year, a national campaign is under way to keep him present in SW19 forever – to have the road leading to the home of British tennis permanently renamed Murray Mile.
Since 1877 the 1.3-mile-long Church Road has been the gateway to the All England Lawn Tennis Club – not only for the sporting greats but the legions of fans who gather there every year, hoping to grab tickets or even a glimpse of their heroes.
Now simply referred to as Wimbledon or The Club, the Championships are held every year at the Church Road site and is visited by over 532,000 guests throughout the fortnight – most of whom walk the stretch of Church Road from Wimbledon train station.
Murray will play is last games there, doubles and mixed doubles alongside his brother Jamie and Emma Raducanu, after tearfully accepting he couldn’t compete in the men’s gruelling singles game due to his recovery from a spine injury.
One of Britan’s greatest ever sporting talents, he is expected to hang up his racquet after the Paris Olympics. The 37-year-old has twice won the men’s singles at the Championship and said last week that he hoped to finish his end his career on a Wimbledon high.
He told reporters: “My idea would have seen that happening probably at Wimbledon. Obviously I have the Olympics coming up.
“But I would love the opportunity to play here one more time. That’s what I’m looking to get out of it. This is a place that’s obviously been really good to me over the years.”
In support of their ambassador and investor, pioneering sports performance brand Castore has initiated a petition to persuade Merton Council to change the name of the road to Murray Mile forever and is galvanising fans into signing up to the Change.org campaign.
Castore co-founder Tom Beahon said: “Andy’s legacy is unequalled. His desire to compete and push himself beyond his limits in order to win is inspiring.
“It only makes sense that the SW19 site where he achieved greatness should immortalise his excellence. As an ambassador and investor, he embodies our better never stops mentality both on and off the court and we hope the public join us in celebrating his achievements with a permanent legacy.”
To join in on the fun, sign the Change.org petition at https://www.change.org/Castore_Murray_Mile and let everyone know with #MurrayMile.
Images: Castore /Hayley C /Cover Images
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