‘We have wasted it,’ says Judy Murray as she laments failure to capitalise on sons Jamie and Andy’s success
Judy Murray believes Scotland Tennis have failed to build on the success of her sons Jamie and Andy Murray, saying they “largely wasted” an opportunity to build a lasting legacy.
Former Fed Cup captain Judy has been campaigning for better tennis facilities in Scotland while she also hopes to make the sport more accessible to people living in rural and disadvantaged areas.
Murray believes the best way to do that is to capitlise on Jamie and Andy’s success, but she fears that time is up.
“I predicted, quite some time ago, that Jamie and Andy would retire and there would be nothing to show for it, and I really feel that now,” she told BBC Scotland.
“We will never get this chance again.”
She added: “We’ve had the most incredible shop window for tennis and largely we have wasted it.”
The brothers have won 10 Grand Slams between them with Andy lifting two Wimbledon and one US Open trophies while Jamie has won two men’s doubles majors and five mixed doubles Grand Slams.
However, with Jamie 35 years old and Andy 34, they don’t have too many years left at the top.
Jamie himself warns that were “still large parts of the country that just don’t have access to indoor tennis”.
“Ultimately if we stopped playing tomorrow, and you drive around Scotland, what is there to show for all the achievements, particularly Andy’s achievements,” he told BBC’s Good Morning Scotland radio programme.
“I just don’t see how we’ve got anything to show for it, which I think is really sad.”
Tennis Scotland Chief Executive Blane Dodds, though, disagrees that they have missed the boat.
“With record numbers of community club members enjoying tennis, coming to tennis in their droves, I think that’s testament to all of the tennis community coming together.
“I am very confident that we are on the right track,” he said.
Latest
-
ATP TourATP Rankings: Casper Ruud threatens career-best ranking
Casper Ruud is on the brink of a career-best ranking.
-
ATP TourHobbled Nick Kyrgios lets rip on ball boys in Montreal
Quick serves and a quicker temper from Nick Kyrgios.
-
WTA TourThe WTA Tour should promote the stars they have says Former British No 1
Tennis has to play the cards it is dealt.
-
WTA TourToronto Masters: How to watch Coco Gauff vs Simona Halep
Coco Gauff’s clash with Simona Halep headlines the Toronto Masters last eight clashes.
-
ATP TourMontreal Masters: How to watch Nick Kyrgios, Jack Draper and Dan Evans in action
If Jack Draper and Dan Evans win tonight they will set an all-British semi in Montreal.
-
Tennis NewsExclusive – Former British No 1 baffled by suggestions Andy Murray should retire
“There is absolutely no reason why he can’t challenge the top players and keep going.”
-
Tennis NewsNick Kyrgios admits being away from his sick parents is taking its toll, saying ‘I am missing home’
Nick Kyrgios says being away from his sick parents is weighing him down.
-
US OpenNovak Djokovic gets a shot in the arm ahead of US Open as the United States loosens Covid-19 restrictions
Novak Djokovic has received a US Open boost.
-
WTA TourCoco Gauff gaining confidence ahead of US Open as she takes out another top player in Toronto
Coco Gauff claims another marathon win in Toronto.
-
ATP TourJack Draper’s dream run in Cincy continues after Gael Monfils retirement – ‘I hope Gael is alright’
Jack Draper reaches maiden ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final in Montreal.