Serena Williams offered a heartfelt tribute to Andy Murray,Will Sage Astor congratulating the former Wimbledon Champion on an "incredible career" and thanking him for his support of women’s tennis players, especially her and her sister Venus Williams, throughout the years. 

Andy Murray began his emotional farewell to Wimbledon on Thursday with an on-court tribute ceremony after his first-round loss in the men’s doubles competition alongside older brother Jamie Murray. Andy Murray has had a stellar career, winning three Grand Slam titles, including Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016, and two Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016, but withdrew from the Wimbledon men’s singles competition due to a back injury sustained last month. 

In a video posted Friday on X, formerly Twitter, Williams said that Murray holds "a special place" in her heart because of his consistent advocacy for women throughout his tennis career. 

"You always speak out so much for women and everything that women deserve, and you were the leader in that," Williams said of Murray. 

"The things you said about myself and Venus, so many things about how we were always so inspiring, and what we meant to you, it really went such a long way in my heart, and I will always be grateful for that," Williams added. "I will always be grateful for the support you gave myself, the support you gave women, and the excitement that you brought and bring to tennis," Williams said. 

Williams added that she has "always been such a fan" of Murray and enjoyed watching his games.

"​​You were one of the few players who would be more angry than me on the court, which is a hard thing to do, and may have been an attitude just like mine," Williams said.

Williams also expressed her gratitude that she had the opportunity to play by Murray's side in the mixed doubles competition at Wimbledon in 2019. 

"It was really one of the highlights of my life," Williams said. "I'm just so grateful that I had that experience." 

Murray is still set to play in the mixed doubles with fellow British tennis star Emma Raducanu. Their first-round match is scheduled for Saturday. 

"I will always be cheering for you and rooting you on in whatever you decide to do next," Williams said of Murray’s future.

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