Murray defends coach following 'staggering' sexist criticism; 'She was slated'

Thu, 04 Jun, 2015 - 17:32

Grainne McGuinness

Andy Murray has launched a scathing attack on critics of his coach Amelie Mauresmo in his most recent L’Equipe column.

The Scottish tennis star is through to the semi-final of the French Open tomorrow, his 16th grand slam semi-final appearance, and credits Mauresmo for his success.

“Things have only got better since Amélie arrived,” Murray wrote.

“I was ranked eleventh in September 2014, I’m now ranked third – it speaks for itself.”

Frenchwoman Mauresmo is herself a former World Number One and two-time Grand Slam Champion. She has been working with Murray since the summer of 2014 and Murray said he knew appointing her as his coach would raise eyebrows.

“I knew that working alongside Amélie 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.”

But he was shocked by the level of vitriol she faced, particularly when he lost.

“I didn’t realise that Amélie would find herself up against such criticism and prejudice,” he explained.

“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.”

Murray doesn’t want congratulations for appointing a female coach, rather he wants people to acknowledge Mauresmo’s courage in facing down the barrage of criticism.

“They say I was plucky choosing Amélie, but truth be told, if anyone was plucky it was Amélie – she’s the one who’s taken the heat. Her competence was always under fire.”

Critics of Mauresmo be warned, the Scot hasn’t forgotten who was involved.

“They pointed the finger at Amélie. I still remember what some players and coaches said about her – I wasn’t impressed and I shan’t forget in a hurry.”

For Murray the idea of appointing a female coach was natural: “I’m quite attuned to the whole thing. I came to tennis thanks to my mother.

“It’s a crying shame there aren’t more female coaches. I hope this changes even if I this isn’t the reason I chose Amélie.”

Murray’s vocal support for Mauresmo has been well received online.