Tennis

Scottish tennis courts called a ‘shambles’ by Andy Murray completely transformed

Published

5 months ago

May 16, 2024

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Scottish tennis courts called a ‘shambles’ by Andy Murray completely transformed

PUBLIC tennis courts that were branded a ‘shambles’ by Sir Andy Murray have reopened following a £100,000 revamp.

The Whitemoss Tennis Courts in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, had been left covered in weeds and in decay.

Whitemoss Tennis Courts were in a terrible stateCredit: Tom Farmer

But now, the facilities have been completely transformedCredit: Tom Farmer

The courts have gone from derelict to delightfulCredit: Tom Farmer

South Lanarkshire Leisure, which runs leisure facilities for the council, said it was unable to bring the courts back into use.

But double Wimbledon champion Murray, 37, intervened in the row after a local dad shared a photo of the rundown courts with a plea for help in 2021.

Allan Kay was shocked when he turned up with his eight year-old daughter Matilda to find the clay courts locked up and left to rot.

He took to social media and pleaded for the tennis superstar, along with his champion brother Jamie and their mum Judy, to help.

He was left stunned when Murray took time out of his US Open preparations to respond to the post and label the courts a ‘shambles’.

A funding package of £92,814 was granted from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to revamp the courts which have now officially reopened and hosted a ceremony attended by schoolchildren, council bosses and LTA representatives.

Local pupils from S1 at St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School were given the chance to try out the courts that have been been resurfaced and given new nets and a gate entry system.

South Lanarkshire Council leader Joe Fagan said: “The new tennis courts are looking fantastic and I’m delighted everyone in East Kilbride and beyond can now enjoy playing on them.

“I would like to thank all our partners for their hard work in getting the new courts ready as the tennis season gets into full swing.”

Councillor Robert Brown added: “Tennis is very much a growing and vibrant sport these days. Park tennis courts are vital in providing opportunities for children and adults to get active, delivering significant physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits to participants. It’s great news that the courts are now open.”

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Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland chief executive, said: “With tennis participation and membership in Scotland at record levels it’s important that we continue to invest in facilities to grow capacity.”

Julie Porter, chief operating officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts in South Lanarkshire Council officially back open to the public, and in better shape than ever.”

Murray is back in action at the BNP Paribas Primose this week.

After recovering from an ankle injury that threatened to end his dreams of a Wimbledon swansong, he’s now gearing up for the French Open which starts later this month.

The 36-year old will also play the Geneva Open in the lead-up to Roland Garros.

Wimbledon comes around in July where the Scots legend will be hoping for an emotional send-off from the iconic venue he twice won the championships at.