On the first day of the Wimbledon Championships, women’s tennis has been brought into the spotlight after former Fed Cup captain Judy Murray said that many players experience abuse on the tour.
Murray, who is the mother of Wimbledon champions Andy and Jamie, has urged female players on the tour to speak out about their experiences. Following in the footsteps of the #MeToo movement. An international campaign against sexual harassment and assault that grabbed international headlines following the allegations made against film producer Harvey Weinstein. During an interview with The Guardian, Murray said that many players on the tour are aware of improper conduct on the tour.
“I think anybody would tell you that there are examples,” she said. “I think everybody who’s on the circuit would be able to name you something that isn’t quite right. It’s very easy for a young, inexperienced player to be taken advantage of … I would certainly advocate for anybody who has been the victim of abuse in that coaching relationship to speak about it.”
Over the years, there have been a few known cases of players on the WTA Tour being mistreated. Jelena Dokic is a former world No.4 player, who suffered both mental and physical abuse at the hands of her father. Once saying ‘It basically started Day One of me playing tennis. It continued on from there. It spiraled out of control.’
Mirjana Lucic-Baroni and Timea Bacsinszky also have their own tales. Both briefly walking away from the tour before returning. Earlier this year Dokic spoke with CNN about the topic. Admitting that there may be some cases still ongoing despite improvements being made on player welfare.
“It’s something that’s always happened in tennis, it’s one of the highest-paid sports and biggest sports for women in the world and unfortunately a lot of parents, especially in poorer countries and poorer families, it’s something they find kind of as an escape, and they push their kids because they see all this money in the sport and it’s only getting bigger,” she said.
It is unclear as to how big the problem could be or if any top players are currently affected. The problem of tracking the issue lies with players travelling around the world alone with their team. Compared to team sports where it could be easier to monitor such issues. As to a solution, Murray has called for an independent body to be set up to support female athletes.
“There should be an independent sports body, where players can go where they know someone will listen to them and they know someone will act on it – whether that’s emotional, physical or sexual abuse. Often you’re scared to speak because you think it will prejudice people against you.” Concluded Murray.
There has been no comment from the WTA about Murray’s claims.
