LONDON — Judy Murray, the mother and former coach of tennis champions Andy and Jamie Murray, has opened up about the toxic behavior of some tennis parents and how it shaped her approach to raising her sons. In a candid interview, she revealed how witnessing aggressive, overbearing fathers in the sport influenced her to take a different path—one that prioritized her children's well-being over relentless ambition.
The Early Years: A Different Approach
Judy Murray, a former tennis coach and Scottish national coach, recalled the early days of Andy and Jamie’s tennis careers, describing how she deliberately avoided the pitfalls of "tennis dad" culture. "I saw so many parents living vicariously through their kids, screaming from the sidelines, and putting unbearable pressure on them," she said. "I knew I didn’t want that for my boys."
Instead, Judy focused on fostering a love for the game rather than pushing for immediate success. She emphasized fun, creativity, and resilience—qualities that would later define Andy’s tenacity on the court. "Tennis was always about enjoyment first. If they stopped loving it, I wouldn’t have forced them to continue," she explained.
The Toxic Side of Junior Tennis
Judy didn’t shy away from discussing the darker aspects of junior tennis, where overzealous parents often crossed the line. She recounted instances where:
- Parents would berate their children after losses, sometimes reducing them to tears.
- Coaches were pressured to prioritize winning over skill development.
- Young players were pushed into excessive training, leading to burnout or injuries.
"I remember one father who would scream at his son during matches, calling him useless if he missed a shot," Judy recalled. "That kind of behavior stays with a child forever."
Raising Champions Without the Pressure
Despite the competitive environment, Judy ensured her sons never felt suffocated by expectations. She credits their success—Andy’s three Grand Slam titles and Jamie’s multiple doubles championships—to a balanced upbringing. "I wanted them to be happy, well-rounded people first, tennis players second," she said.
Andy himself has often spoken about his mother’s influence, praising her for keeping tennis fun. In a past interview, he said, "Mum never made it feel like a job. She made sure we enjoyed the process, and that’s why I still love the game today."
The Role of Resilience
Judy also highlighted the importance of resilience, something she instilled in her sons from a young age. "Tennis is a sport of failures—you lose more than you win. Teaching them to handle setbacks was crucial," she said. This mindset helped Andy through career-threatening injuries and comebacks, including his historic 2016 season where he became World No. 1.
A Message to Modern Parents
Judy’s advice to parents today is simple: "Support, don’t suffocate. Encourage, don’t enforce. And most importantly, let them be kids." She warns against the dangers of early specialization and excessive pressure, which can lead to physical and emotional burnout.
She also advocates for better education for tennis parents, suggesting that governing bodies should offer workshops on healthy parenting in sports. "Not every child will be a champion, but every child deserves to enjoy the game," she added.
Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond Tennis
Judy Murray’s approach has left a lasting impact, not just on her sons’ careers but on the broader tennis community. By rejecting toxic parenting norms, she proved that success and happiness aren’t mutually exclusive. "At the end of the day, it’s just a game. What matters most is the person they become," she said.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that behind every great athlete is a support system built on love, patience, and balance—not fear and pressure. As Andy and Jamie continue to inspire future generations, Judy’s legacy as a mother and mentor remains just as significant as their triumphs on the court.