Andy Murray has form when it comes to supporting womankind. Time and time again, the tennis pro has proven himself to be one of our most enduring and constant male feminist allies.
So it should come as no surprise to learn that, despite having suffered a devastating loss to Sam Querrey just hours before, Murray absolutely refused to let journalists (and the patriarchy) trample all over women’s sporting achievements with a throwaway question.
During the post-match press conference on Wednesday (12 July), one reporter began asking Murray a question, saying: “Sam [Querrey] is the first US player to reach a major semi-final since 2009…”
But, before he had time to finish that grossly inaccurate statement, Murray raised his head, looked the journalist dead in the eye, and raised his voice to remind him of a very important fact.
“Male player,” he said coolly.
Despite Murray’s intent being abundantly clear, the reporter was completely thrown by the interruption – and, confused, asked: “I beg your pardon?”
Murray then somewhat wearily reminded everyone that Querrey might be the first male US player to reach a semi-final since 2009, but he certainly is not the first US player.
Serena Williams, for example, has bagged the trophy in a whopping 12 Grand Slam tournaments, and has won Wimbledon seven times alone in 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2016. Her big sister Venus, meanwhile, reached the Wimbledon semi-finals earlier this week.
And it’s also worth pointing out that Coco Vandeweghe and Madison Keys (again, both American players) have also played in Grand Slam semi-finals in recent years.
Unsurprisingly, everyone on Twitter was quick to congratulate Murray for shutting down the casual sexism.
But nobody was more proud of Murray more proud than his mum Judy (aka his biggest supporter and most ardent fan).
“That’s my boy,” she said simply, adding a heart emoji.
Images: Rex Feature
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