Jamie Murray feels Mats Wilander criticism of ‘champion’ Andy Murray is ‘unfair’

French Open

Shahida Jacobs
October 5, 2020

Jamie Murray is the latest to come to the defence of Andy Murray following Mats Wilander’s criticism, insisting his brother doesn’t have to “prove anything to anyone”.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Murray received a wildcard entry into this year’s French Open, but his stay in Paris was short-lived as he made a first-round exit after going down in straight sets at the hands of Stan Wawrinka.

After the match Eurosport pundit and former world No 1 Wilander questioned Murray’s decision to still keep playing despite his recent struggles, asking whether he has “a right to be out there taking wildcards from the young players?”

Mats Wilander questions why Andy Murray is still playing on what feels like his farewell tour

The likes of Jim Courier, Nick Kyrgios and Chris Evert have all hit back at Wilander.

And Jamie has now also defended his brother’s decision to play in Paris.

“Well, I think Andy is well within his rights to accept a wildcard at a tournament,” Jamie said. “I mean, he obviously came here wanting to compete in the event and try to do as well as he can.

“Obviously he didn’t have any matches going into the tournament and then he played Stan Wawrinka in the first round, another guy who has got three Grand Slams and loves playing on clay. So it was a bit of a disaster draw for him. I think that was unfair criticism.

“Of course, Andy didn’t play his best match in the tournament, but nobody when they accept a wildcard into a tournament is going in thinking that they’re not going to play their best match.

“He’s a champion, been at the top of the game forever, three Grand Slams. I don’t think he has to prove anything to anyone.”

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Andy Murray Jamie Murray Mats Wilander