Sir Andy Murray should have a statue dedicated to him in the grounds of Wimbledon according to Billie Jean King.
Posting a video on X, the American who won 39 grand slam titles in an illustrious career said the double Wimbledon winner should be honoured if not at the All England Tennis Club then at least in his home country.
“A statue at Wimbledon would be fitting but there needs to be a meaningful, permanent legacy in Scotland for Andy Murray,” she said. Murray’s mother Judy, who has been campaigning for a family legacy, was among the first to respond to King, 80, still one of the most influential and respected figures in the game. “Agreed,” she posted.
Murray, 37, was honoured at Wimbledon on Thursday with an emotional tribute after his defeat in the men’s doubles alongside his older brother Jamie. King urged the Scottish government and the Lawn Tennis Association to ensure Murray’s legacy is the completion of a proposed tennis centre at Park of Keir, near his home town of Dunblane.
Judy Murray won an eight-year planning battle to build the tennis and golf complex at the end of 2021 but has continued to face opposition from local campaigners and community councillors given work would take place on green-belt land. King offered her backing for a multi-purpose centre that would contain grassroots facilities in addition to a museum dedicated to the three-time grand slam winner and Olympic champion.
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“So Andy Murray recently announced that he will be retiring this year after an amazing career that has brought credibility and excitement to British tennis,” King said. “And everyone is asking what his legacy should be? I am hearing talk of a statue at the All England Club, which of course would be very fitting.
“But shouldn’t it be the community tennis centre that he and his family are trying to build outside their home town in Dunblane? A pay-to-play multi-sports centre, run as a charitable trust, aiming to make tennis affordable, accessible and fun for all.
“Surely creating a base in Scotland where Andy, Jamie and Judy can give back to their sport, by doing what they do brilliantly — developing and inspiring the next generation of players and coaches — is the best legacy for them. Let’s hope the Scottish government and the powers that be in British tennis can help get this over the line and soon. So, come on! Let’s go for it!”
Murray’s Wimbledon career ended on Saturday when Emma Raducanu pulled out of their planned appearance in the mixed doubles. Raducanu, 21, who faces a fourth-round match in the women’s singles on Monday, said she had “some stiffness” in her right wrist.
“I have decided to make the very tough decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles,” she said. “I’m disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing with Andy but I’ve got to take care.”
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Murray pulled out of the singles on Tuesday as he continues to recover from a back operation on June 22. He is planning to retire later this year, with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games set to be his final event.
