Former world No.1 Andy Murray says he will not ‘wade in’ on the development of Emma Raducanu unless the recently crowned US Open champion reaches out to him for advice.
Raducanu has surged up the rankings to 22nd in the world following her shock run at the US Open where she became the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam title and the first British woman to do so since 1977. As a result of her rapid rise in the sport, there has been a surge in companies wanting to partner with the teenager who is set to make millions. She only made her main draw debut on the WTA Tour earlier this year.
Murray knows what it is like growing up in the spotlight with the British media closely monitoring his progress. Although he was 25 when he won his first major event at the 2012 US Open to become the first British man to do so for 76 years.
When it comes to giving tips and advice to his younger compatriot, Murray says he will only do so if he is asked to do so. Saying he used to get ‘irritated’ when he was younger by those who world offer their views without asking him first.
“I never really liked it when all of the ex-British tennis players were always wading in after every win and loss about what you should be doing, what you shouldn’t be doing, and a lot of them also giving advice when you haven’t asked for it as well,” BBC Sport quoted Murray as saying. .
“I found it incredibly irritating – and still do today. I don’t want to be that person.
“What Emma has achieved is incredible and I hope she goes on to do more amazing things in the sport, and if she ever wants to talk, or her family, obviously I would always be there on the end of the phone.
“But I don’t want to be that guy after every loss or win just wading in and giving my opinion on what she should or shouldn’t be doing differently, because it’s not helpful.”
Following the US Open, Murray believes British tennis must capitalise on Raducanu’s success for the future and get rid of their elitist image. He believes a lot of people are put off playing due to the perception tennis is expensive to play.
“For a country that hosts the biggest tennis tournament in the world, and is certainly not lacking in money, that’s not really good enough,” he said.
“Now should be an opportunity to try to make sure that it’s not another huge wait again. They need to try to take the opportunity.”
According to data obtained by the LTA, the final of the women’s US Open was the match most watched tennis match in history on Amazon Prime UK. Raducanu’s showdown with Leylah Fernandez was also shown on Channel 4 which attracted a peak audience of 9.2 million viewers, including a 48% share of 16-34 year olds. The LTA also reported that their own social media feeds attracted record breaking numbers.
Murray is playing at the Moselle Open this week after being given a wildcard into the tournament. In the first round he will face sixth seed Ugo Humbert. So far this season he has achieved a win-loss record of 6-7 on the ATP Tour and he is currently ranked 113th in the world.
