Andy Murray is set to return to UK grass courts next Monday, where a temporary stadium will be named in his honour.
Next week, the Queen’s Club in south-west London is scheduled to host its first WTA event in 52 years, which will immediately precede the annual ATP men’s tournament at the same venue.
A temporary seating area for fans, currently being constructed on the Barons Court site, will be named the ‘Andy Murray Arena’ to recognise the British sporting icon and two-time Wimbledon champion.
LTA chief executive Scott Lloyd commented in a statement: “Andy is the greatest tennis player ever to come from this country and a giant of British sport.”
He added: “We are proud to name the arena at our tournament at the Queen`s Club after him.”
Murray is expected to attend an unveiling ceremony scheduled for Monday.
This appearance will mark his return to competitive play on grass courts for the current season.
The 38-year-old Scot previously had a farewell celebration on Wimbledon’s Centre Court last July, following his announcement hinting at retirement after the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Murray holds a record five singles titles at Queen’s, won between 2009 and 2016.
Furthermore, in 2019, just five months after undergoing career-saving hip resurfacing surgery, he secured the doubles title at the club alongside Feliciano Lopez.
Separately, Wimbledon announced it will replace line judges with Electronic Line Calling this month.
This electronic line calling system will also be implemented at Queen’s for both the WTA and ATP weeks.
Unlike his contemporary Roger Federer, who largely withdrew from the sport following retirement, Murray has remained a consistent presence at major tennis events.
Beyond a brief period assisting Novak Djokovic’s coaching group at the Australian Open, the Scot recently attended Rafael Nadal’s retirement ceremony at the French Open, joining other members of the `Big Four`.
