Andy Murray has spoken out about how employing Amélie Mauresmo as his coach sparked a backlash in the tennis world - because she's a woman.
In a moving blog entry, the tennis player wrote:
"I realised it would create a feeling of suspicion, mistrust and perhaps even negativity. I didn't realise, however, that Amélie 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."
"I got off to a bad start last season and things have only got better since Amélie arrived. I was ranked eleventh in September 2014, I'm now ranked third - it speaks for itself."
It seems the tennis world didn't react well when things were going badly for Andy.
"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 Amélie. I still remember what some players and coaches said about her - I wasn't impressed and I shan't forget in a hurry…"
Andy says that being brought up by a strong female figure (Judy Murray) has helped his outlook. "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."
"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. Whilst a female coach might not gel so well with others, it wouldn't hurt for everyone to be a little more open-minded."
Go Andy!
SOURCE: ANDYMURRAY.COM
