Coco Gauff had wonderful words for Andy Murray and his mother Judy after winning her first game at Wimbledon. The No.2 ranked female player got off to a winning start thanks to a straight sets victory against Anca Todoni on Wednesday, but used her media time to thank the Scottish legend.
Murray has been ruled out of a final Wimbledon singles campaign having failed to overcome surgery to remove a spinal cyst. The 37-year-old made his Wimbledon debut in 2005 and became the first Brit to win the Championships since Fred Perry in 1936 – winning his first in 2013 before a second success in 2016.
But it’s his legacy off the court and to the next generation that will leave possibly the biggest mark on Murray’s career. One of those stars who has lauded the impact that Murray and his mum have had on the sport is the US No.1.
Speaking to reporters, Gauff said: “I just watched a video about him correcting reporters on statistics, it’s something that as a female player, you’ll see a lot where people will be like ‘this guy was the first player to do this.’ And it’s like well, Serena and Venus did it.. or another player did it ages ago. Or like the first American and I’m like ‘I did it. Jess did it.’
I really appreciate him, not only him, also his mother for everything they’ve done for equality for women’s sports. I think his legacy is that he’s just a fighter. The most inspiration I have for him is no matter what court he’s playing, whether it’s Centre Court here or an ITF, he’s putting 100% effort into that.
“It’s really unfortunate that he couldn’t get one last healthy match out here because he definitely deserves to end his career on his terms. I hope the doubles goes well with his brother. He’s an icon of the sport and he’s had an incredible career that a lot of people dream of.”
Despite being ruled out of the singles tournament, Murray will compete in the doubles alongside his brother Jamie, who he won the Davis Cup in 2015 with. He’ll also play in the mixed doubles alongside 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu.
Meanwhile, Gauff was able to avoid another upset similar to last year when she exited the tournament in the first round. She reflected on using her disappointment last year to alter her mindset before returning this time around.
“Overall, I just learned about life a lot. I guess you do as you get older,” the 20-year-old said. “I realized what I do, yes I’m passionate about, but it’s not that serious and sometimes the world can make you feel like there’s so much pressure, so much expectation. At the end of the day, it’s a game, it’s a sport and I’m very privileged to be playing out here.”
