Andy Murray: Treatment of coach Amelie Mauresmo has made me a feminist
Andy Murray hits back at the recent criticism of his coach Amelie Mauresmo
Andy Murray has hit back at the criticism of his coach Amelie Mauresmo, claiming that she has been under more pressure just for being a woman.
The British number one, who takes on Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the French Open on Friday, says that all of his recent defeats since appointing Mauresmo have been blamed on the 35-year-old.
“Right from the word go, I knew that working alongside Amelie would set tongues wagging. The reason for this is that very few players before me have worked with a female coach. I realised it would create a feeling of suspicion, mistrust and perhaps even negativity,” Murray told L’Equipe.
“I didn’t realise, however, that Amelie would find herself up against such criticism and prejudice. The staggering thing was that she was slated every time I lost, which is something my former coaches never ever experienced. It wasn’t right.”
The Scot, who appointed Mauresmo as his coach last June, continued: “The real low point hit at the Masters when I lost 6-0, 6-1 against Roger (Federer, in London).
“Rather than blaming me, they pointed the finger at Amelie. I still remember what some players and coaches said about her – I wasn’t impressed and I shan’t forget in a hurry.”
Murray revealed that his upbringing has made him a feminist and says he finds it easier to speak to women.
He said: “Have I become a feminist? Well, if being a feminist is about fighting so that a woman is treated like a man then yes, I suppose I have. My upbringing means that I’m quite attuned to the whole thing. I came to tennis thanks to my mother.
“I always had a very close relationship with my grandmothers. I’ve always been surrounded by women. I find it easier to talk to them. I find it easier to open up to them.
2It’s a crying shame there aren’t more female coaches. I hope this changes even if I this isn’t the reason I chose Amelie. Whilst a female coach might not gel so well with others, it wouldn’t hurt for everyone to be a little more open-minded.”
