Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray has joined the prestigious American-based management agency IMG which he says will represent him for the rest of his career and beyond.
The surprise move comes after a decade of Murray’s activities being managed in-house by 77 Sports Management which is a company he co-founded with Matt Gentry. In a major shake-up for the organisation, their tennis division has been disbanded permanently which could have a big impact on some British players. Harriet Dart, Paul Jubb, Katie Swan and Aidan McHugh have all been represented by 77 Sports Management in the past. It is understood that anybody affected by the closure will receive support to find alternative management.
No reason has been publicly disclosed as to why 77 Sports has decided to no longer explore the tennis market. However, it has paved the way for Murray to explore new opportunities for him in the future with IMG. In a statement, the former world No.1 said he hoped the new partnership will help him explore ‘the wider business world.”
“I’m looking forward to working with IMG not just for the remainder of my playing career, but with an eye on the future and opportunities both in tennis and in the wider business world,” Murray is quoted as saying by The Times.
IMG was founded in 1960 and has been owned by Endeavor since 2013. Over the years the company has established itself as one of the leading agencies in the world of tennis with it at some point collaborating with the likes of Li Na, Novak Djokovic, Emma Raducanu, both of the Williams sisters, Carlos Alcaraz and more. They have also acquired ownership of both the Miami Open and Madrid Open which they oversee the running of.
“Andy has built a legacy in tennis that has not only shaped the sport but also defined its place in culture. We’re thrilled to have him join the IMG family and work together to expand his reach and influence across multiple businesses,” IMG Tennis’ Max Eisenbud said.
Murray is the only British player in the Open Era to have reached world No.1 and has won 46 Tour titles so far in his career. His prize money earnings currently stand at more than $63.5M which is the fourth-highest in the history of the ATP Tour after the Big Three.
However, in recent years the 35-year-old has been hindered by injury issues and now plays on the Tour with a metal rod inserted into his hip joint. He is currently ranked 52nd in the world and has won eight out of 13 matches played so far this year.
