Judy Murray says Scots tennis chiefs squandered Andy’s legacy

In an exclusive interview with The Herald, Ms Murray said: “A lot of people thought it was the Nimbys that stopped it, but I must stress it absolutely was not that. I’d worked for 12 years on this and spent a fortune. I’m absolutely knackered and I wasn’t getting the support from those who are responsible for delivering both tennis and sport in Scotland.

Read the full interview 

“There was just apathy and a lack of cooperation and far too many obstacles put in our way. Almost like they were kicking the can down the road trying to make it as hard as possible for us. I’d spent most of my adult life from when I was a volunteer at our local club trying to grow tennis in Scotland.

“It will always be a huge source of disappointment to me that this didn’t happen. But to build something like that should be down to the Scottish Government and the governing body of the sport. I don’t have any confidence in the leadership of Tennis Scotland and that’s a major reason for me not to get involved in anything else in Scotland.”

She now intends to focus on her work with the UK Lawn Tennis Association on international community initiatives for women and minorities. She added: “The tennis centre wasn’t about finding another Andy; it was all about community sport. That’s absolutely where we are embedded.

“With Andy and Jamie it was never about trying to turn them into champions. But they’re a great example of anything’s possible. They came from a little Scottish village; a regular family and a state school.”

A spokesperson for Tennis Scotland said: “We fully agree with the need to make the most of Andy and Jamie’s incredible achievements, which is why we have succeeded in growing participation and club membership to record levels, brought more competitions than ever to Scotland, and opened lots of new facilities.

“As these statistics prove, Scottish tennis is enjoying a period of unprecedented growth – alongside our partners, we have opened two new indoor centres this year with a third on the way, as well as revamped 160 courts in public parks. The team at Tennis Scotland will continue working tirelessly to grow our sport.”