LONDON — Judy Murray, the mother of tennis stars Andy and Jamie Murray, is on a mission to make tennis more accessible and engaging through innovative events designed to break down barriers in the sport. Recently, she led a clinic at the WTA Come Play presented by Morgan Stanley with the WTA Foundation, an initiative aimed at inspiring the next generation of players.
A Vision for Change in Tennis
Judy Murray has long been an advocate for making tennis less intimidating and more inclusive. She believes the sport has become "too expensive and difficult" for many aspiring players, particularly young girls. Her latest efforts focus on creating fun, low-pressure environments where beginners can develop skills without the traditional pressures of competition.
At the WTA Come Play event, Murray worked with young players, emphasizing creativity and enjoyment over rigid technique. "Tennis should be about having fun first," she said. "If kids enjoy it, they’ll stick with it—and that’s how we grow the game."
The Challenges of Traditional Tennis
Murray’s approach stems from her frustration with the sport’s current structure, which she argues excludes too many potential players. Among the key issues she highlights:
- High costs – Equipment, court fees, and coaching can be prohibitively expensive.
- Complex rules – Beginners often find scoring and technique overwhelming.
- Lack of social play – Many programs prioritize competition over enjoyment.
The WTA Come Play Initiative
The WTA Foundation’s Come Play program, supported by Morgan Stanley, aligns perfectly with Murray’s philosophy. The initiative introduces tennis through interactive games and simplified formats, removing the intimidation factor. "We’re not looking for the next Grand Slam champion here," Murray explained. "We’re looking to create a love for the game."
Inspiring the Next Generation
Murray’s influence extends beyond coaching—she’s also a vocal advocate for increasing female participation in tennis. "Girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys by their mid-teens," she noted. "We have to make tennis more welcoming if we want to change that."
Her efforts have already made an impact. At the clinic, young players engaged in drills that blended tennis with movement games, ensuring they left with smiles rather than stress. One participant, 10-year-old Mia, summed it up: "I didn’t think I’d like tennis, but this was so much fun!"
What’s Next for Judy Murray?
Murray’s work is far from over. She plans to expand her grassroots programs, including her own Tennis on the Road initiative, which brings portable nets and equipment to underserved communities. "If we want tennis to thrive, we have to meet people where they are," she said.
She’s also collaborating with governing bodies to rethink junior competition formats, advocating for shorter matches and team-based events to keep kids engaged. "We need to adapt the game to fit modern lifestyles," she emphasized.
A Lasting Legacy
While Judy Murray may be best known as the mother of two tennis legends, her own contributions to the sport are undeniable. By challenging the status quo and championing accessibility, she’s helping to shape a brighter future for tennis.
As she put it: "Tennis shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a joy available to everyone. That’s the change I want to see."
With her passion and innovative approach, Judy Murray is proving that the future of tennis doesn’t just lie in Grand Slam titles—but in the smiles of kids picking up a racket for the first time.