Andy Murray - Why the glum face?

As I watched the classic ups and downs of an Andy Murray Grand Slam match with my twitter feed rabbiting away, I found myself dumbfounded by the amount of abuse he was receiving from British tweeters. As he slaved away on a foreign red surface against an accomplished old pro, any support from back home was sporadic at best.

OK so he's not the long haired, tanned, bandana wearing, swashbuckling Spaniard on the opposing baseline. He's a pale, freckly, curly haired Scot. But he's ours and he's great. Often portrayed as a sullen and dour figure, in my experience Murray is far from it. Intelligent and well spoken, Murray is certainly more charismatic, humourous and accessible (his youtube channel and twitter account are testament to this) than the adored Federer. Whose privacy resembles that of royalty. Although being involved in sketches with James Corden (Smithy vs. Andy) and appearing on comedic programmes the public just doesn't seem to get Andy. His dry sense of humour it seems is misconstrued.

Criticism is not just saved for Murray's perceived off court persona, far from it, he is constantly berated for his 'moodiness' during matches. Yes he does shout and rant and perhaps his game would benefit from a calmer approach. But the hypocrisy of a country that heralds John McEnroe, the king of tennis trash talk, is bewildering. Showing emotion in sport is what makes it interesting for me, that's why we love the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan and Darren Clarke. They bring a human and thus exciting element to traditionally 'dull' sports. Even when Murray broke down in tears after his Australian Open final loss to Federer the British public still failed to embrace him, why?


Twitter even exposed me to criticism of his style of play. Some suggesting he does not try to win points. Admittedly Murray does not have the traditional British grace of a serve volleying Tim Henman, however we all agree that this is nigh on impossible if one wants to be a top 10 player in the modern game. Murray's play is certainly not monotonous, his well publicised drop shot and extroadinary speed and defensive work are nothing short of spectacular. In comparison to his conqueror David Ferrer (match report can be found here), whose formulaic and typically Spanish baseline style is relentless and uninspiring, although undoubtedly effective. Ferrer's consistent tactics have led him to his first French Open semi final and a top 6 ranking. Targetting Murray's backhand for much of the longer rallies before picking the right time to then attack the Brit's forehand side. This 'Spanish way' was the key to Ferrer's success but was not revolutionary nor exciting tennis.

Murray is by far the best British tennis player of the modern era. With 22 career titles and 3 Grand Slam finals, he sits as the 10th biggest career prize money earner in the history of the game. In reaching the semi finals of each Grand Slam last season, he became only the 7th player to achieve the feat. Unfortunately for Andy, the three players ahead of him in the rankings are potentially 3 of the 5 greatest players to ever pick up a racket. A golden age for the sport. This elusive Grand Slam seems to be the catalyst for much of the Murray criticism. At only 25 he has his best years ahead of him and surely will win one of the big four sooner or later. Other british sportsmen have failed to win the biggest tournaments and are adored by fans. Luke Donald and Lee Westwood have been at the top of golf for a few years now and have failed to convert their success into majors, but they are not publicly bashed.

There is this nagging question of nationality, so Murray doesn't like being called English, well he's not. I wouldn't like being called Scottish. His nationality seems to bring his most crude criticism from not only the public but the lower end of the media. The suggestion that Murray hates England and Britain is unsubstantiated and odious. It seems it is the complex of those talking about Murray than one of the man himself.

With Wimbledon on the horizon, which I still believe is his best chance of Grand Slam victory, I urge you all to get behind Our Andy. 


JLloyd