Andy Murray hits out at critics of women’s sport
Former world No 1’s advocacy for equality between men and women in sport is well known
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Andy Murray has hit out at critics of women’s athletes, saying he would encourage his two young daughters to play sport.
Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray’s advocacy of equality between men and women in sport is well known, and the Scot again spoke on the matter in an interview with Sky News this week.
When asked what he thinks of the opinion that women are less talented athletes than men, especially at the professional level, the 33-year-old said: “Well, that’s simply not true.
“There’s obviously physical barriers which mean that the men and women can’t compete directly against each other in [most] sports, but the elite females that are competing at the top of world sport are incredible athletes.
READ MORE: Latest update on Australian Open amid Covid-19 chaos
“I obviously get to see a lot of them first hand when I’m competing on the tennis tour, because a lot of our major events are combined.
“I obviously see how hard all of them work and how good they are as athletes as well.
“I mean, I would encourage my daughters to play sport, because I think it’s good for your health, your physical wellbeing.
“So yeah, that’s what kind of what I would say to that.”
ATP FINALS: Medvedev captures crown with victory over Thiem
Murray has struggled with injuries for the best part of the last three years, with a hip operation early in 2019 seemingly ending his career before the two-time Wimbledon champion returned and won titles on both the men’s singles and doubles tours before the year was up.
The former world No 1 most recently competed in Cologne in October, losing to Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in straight sets in the first round.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments