Andy Murray Opens Up About Family Tension Following a Shocking Choice That Sparked Conflict with His Brother: It Affects How We Feel About Him
British tennis legend Andy Murray and older brother Jamie once had such a serious falling out that they didn’t speak for weeks. But although they avoided direct conversation, the siblings weren’t shy about taking thinly veiled swipes at each other through the media.
Observing the brothers and their close bond today, it’s hard to imagine a period when the Murrays were anything but close. Yet that’s exactly what happened in 2008 when doubles expert Jamie was furious after his younger sibling pulled out of a playing commitment.
Great Britain were set to take on Argentina in the Davis Cup’s first round when Andy announced he wouldn’t be taking part as expected due to concerns over a knee problem. Jamie instead partnered with late call-up Ross Hutchins as Team GB crashed out early to the eventual runners-up.
Speaking about his brother’s withdrawal at the time, Jamie called Andy’s choice “disappointing.” He continued to emphasise the resentment he harboured towards his sibling, adding: “It kind of affects the way we feel about him.
“I think it’s disappointing he chose not to come. From what I have been reading he hasn’t come out and said he’s injured, it’s more a prevention thing. I think if he had really wanted to push himself he could have come here for the match.
“It was a shock for me and for the team. I was not aware he had a problem. From his point of view, I guess he doesn’t have anything to apologise for as he’s taken the decision not to come
If he had come here, he would have caused them problems because he has the ability to win singles matches, he’s a world-class player. He’s been in the top 10 and not by fluke. I think he would have liked to come here and had the crowd against him, he plays better in those circumstances.”
The situation escalated quickly when Andy, who hung up his racket last year, fired back at his older brother. And he even went so far as to belittle Jamie’s less impressive singles record.
In response to Jamie’s remarks, two-time Wimbledon champ Andy replied: “It was a little bit disappointing. But he obviously felt pretty strongly about it and he’s entitled to his opinion. If he knew what it was like playing three five-set matches in a row on clay then maybe he’d understand my position a little bit better.
“I’ve not spoken to him yet. I’ll see him soon. I guess we’ll have to have a chat about it and just discuss our feelings on Davis Cup and the sort of position that I am in, but it’s probably not going to be the most fun conversation to have with your brother.
The brothers’ mum and former coach, Judy, would have been in a tough spot as the pair squabbled. However, after two weeks of radio silence, they managed to resolve their differences.
Fast forward to now, and the Murrays seem to be closer than ever. It’s only fitting Andy’s final Wimbledon match was played alongside his brother, especially after Emma Raducanu’s decision to withdraw from their mixed doubles partnership brought his SW19 career to an unexpected halt.
