The reigning Wimbledon men’s tennis champion will be made a Freeman of the Borough of Merton.

Millions of people around the globe watched last summer as Andy Murray beat Novak Djokovic in the final in Wimbledon.

Murray and three previous ladies singles champions have been nominated by Merton Council for the highest honour the council can give, set to be announced at a council meeting on Wednesday, April 2.

Ladies champions Virginia Wade, who won in 1977, Ann Haydon-Jones, the 1969 winner and Angela Mortimer who took the title in 1961 as well as Murray have all been notified of the honour.

Once granted, presentation ceremonies planned for the summer will take place where the sporting heroes will formally be given the honour by the mayor of Merton.

A new mayor will be elected in May of this year.

The current mayor of Merton, Councillor Krystal Miller said: "The admission of these great sportspeople as Honorary Freemen of the Borough is the highest honour the council can give.

"We have not added any individuals to this list since 2006 and we are delighted to welcome those who have made significant sporting contributions to Great Britain and whose great achievements took place in the borough."


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