Andy Murray reveals his other passion: helping the stars of the future

ATP Tour

Shahida Jacobs
October 13, 2018

He has been there, done that, got the T-shirt and now Andy Murray is giving back by mentoring the stars of the future through his management agency.

The three-time Grand Slam winner co-founded 77 Sports Management with Matt Gentry and Gawain Davies back in 2013 and five years later they have clients from the world of tennis, football and athletics on their books.

Tennis duo Aidan McHugh and Katie Swan, footballers Ryan Porteous and Fraser Murray as well as sprinters Shannon and Cheriece Hylton are getting advice from one of the best tennis players in the world.

Murray admits managing these young stars is something he really enjoys.

“We take on talent based on their potential and personality and whether we feel we can make a difference,” he told Sport360 in an interview.

“We have six clients now, in tennis, football and athletics, but we are keen to help more. It’s something I enjoy and I’ve got a good team around me to help out in all areas of management.

“I look at things as an athlete and know what we should be providing and what is required. There are so many distractions at the top of any sport, so it’s about providing the right advice and service and helping them become the best they can be.”

Running a business does come with challenges, but for the 31-year-old Murray it is all about giving back.

“As with other individual sports, you have to manage your team around you. In effect you are like a CEO, as you are responsible for hiring and paying people in your team and continually managing and monitoring not only your own performance, but everyone around you,” he said.

“There are plenty of difficult decisions to be made and you are often dealing with people much older and more experienced than you. It can be stressful at times but you learn a lot about yourself and there is no hiding place.

“It’s an amazing sport though that has given me so much, so helping others is a small way of me giving something back.”

He added: “It’s something I am passionate about, so I make time. Once I stop playing, then it’s something I can devote more time to, but it’s great being able to help some of the stars of the future.”

Andy Murray