Three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray believes ‘things are improving’ for women in the world of sport.
Writing for the BBC, the world No.3 admitted that he never intended to be an advocate for women’s rights. Murray has been closely associated with the topic since appointing Amelie Mauresmo as his coach between 2014-2016. It is still a rare occurrence on the men’s tour to have a female coach a top ranked player.
“Working with Amelie was, for me, because she was the right person for the job, and not a question of her sex at all. However, it became clear to me that she wasn’t always treated the same as men in similar jobs, and so I felt I had to speak out about that.” Explained Murray.
From his own experience, the Brit continues to speak out for equality in sport. At this year’s Wimbledon championship, he made headlines after correcting an American journalist. The journalist said Sam Querrey was ‘the first US Open player to reach a major final since 2009.’ Prompting Murray to intervene and say ‘male player.’
“Anyone who has spent any time with any of the top women will know that they make those same sacrifices and are as determined and committed to winning as any of the top men on the tour.”
Murray has called for more women to fill in coaching positions ‘in sport generally.’ He has also argued that women don’t get enough ‘air-time’ as men. A familiar trend in the world of sport.
In tennis, equal prize money has been awarded at every grand slam since 2007. The US Open was the first major to implement the move back in 1973. 28 years before any other major event did the same.
In the past Murray has been hailed for standing up for women’s rights. In July Serena Williams told ESPN that every player on the WTA Tour ‘supports’ Murray. Williams is a 23-time grand slam champion and was named sports illustrated’s sports personality of the year in 2015. Becoming the first female to win the honour since Billie Jean King in 1972.
“I don’t think there’s a woman player – and there really shouldn’t be a female athlete – that is not totally supportive of Andy Murray.” She said.
“He has spoken up for women’s issues and women’s rights, especially in tennis, forever and he does it again
“That’s one thing that we love about him.
The benefits of mixed doubles
Murray has also stressed the importance of playing in mixed sports. Throughout his career, he has played in the Hopman Cup (a mixed exhibition event) four times and won a silver medal in the 2012 Olympic mixed doubles competition with Laura Robson.
“Some of the most fun I’ve had on court has been when playing mixed doubles – with Heather Watson and Laura Robson at both the Hopman Cup in Australia and at the Olympics. Although they probably wouldn’t say the same about playing with me!” He joked.
Growing up the 30-year-old practiced with both boys and girls on the court. He recounts the times he used to practice with Svetlana Kuznetsova at a tennis academy in Barcelona as a teenager. An example he hopes others will follow in the future.
“Playing mixed sport has huge benefits like making friendships, building confidence and saving money for schools and clubs.” He explained.
“So much at an early age is about ball skills, hand-eye co-ordination and generating a competitive spirit anyway, and not about strength and speed, that it would make sense to me for these skills to be taught to boys and girls alike, at the same time?”
The former world No.1 is currently taking time away from the tour due to a hip injury. It is unclear when he will return to action.
