Sexism in men’s tennis – Andy Murray unpacks

In 2014, Andy Murray caused a stir with the signing of coach Amélie Mauresmo. The Scotsman remembers the absurd reactions that provoked him then.

Murray at the time said he was excited about the opportunities that would arise from this partnership. However, some contestants believed Murray was just joking. «Then I received messages from other players and their coaches. It said, “I can’t believe you’re making a game like that with the press. You should tell them tomorrow you’re thinking of working with a dog,” Murray recalls on Sky Sports.

“Just because she is a woman”

Apparently, many didn’t think it was possible that a two-time Grand Slam winner would be able to teach a high-level player anything. If he looks back today, he still cannot understand the reactions and the “negative press”. There’s only one thing she regrets, says the 33-year-old: “I’m sorry I didn’t win a Grand Slam tournament when I worked with her. I got the feeling that a lot of people have judged her so harshly just because she is a woman. “

Murray is known for promoting equality. When Ada Hegerberg was awarded the “Ballon d’Or” in 2018, the presenter on stage asked her if she could “twerk”. This sparked a debate on sexism, one of the most prominent critics at the time was the British tennis star. On Twitter he wrote: “Another example of the ridiculous sexism that still exists in sport. Why do women still have to deal with these things? “