Andy Murray slams Wimbledon ‘disaster’ after poster snub of female stars

LONDON – Andy Murray has labelled a controversial poster of former Wimbledon greats as a “disaster” after the Scot highlighted the lack of prominence given to female stars.

The 36-year-old, a two-time Wimbledon champion, was a notable absentee from the official All England Club artwork, which features 15 famous players walking down a staircase.

Emerging young male players Jannik Sinner of Italy and world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, neither of whom has made an impact at Wimbledon yet, stand in the foreground of the painting.

They are followed by a selection of “epic” rivalries, beginning with Murray’s long-time competitors Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Of the six women depicted, only Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova are among the front 11 players, with the other four, including Serena and Venus Williams who have won a combined 12 Wimbledon singles titles, at the back.

While Murray’s uncle and brother criticised his exclusion, the former world No. 1 insisted that is not the main issue as he spoke about the poster for the first time since its release.

“It was a disaster, wasn’t it? I don’t need to elaborate any more on it. It’s pretty obvious if you see the poster,” he said, regarding the positioning of the female players.

Probed further about the front five players being men, the three-time Grand Slam champion added: “That was what was slightly strange.

“I guess the players who are on the poster are ones who have had incredible careers and have been unbelievably successful at Wimbledon. But elsewhere are some of the greatest players of all time.

“For me, Alcaraz and Sinner are unbelievable players, but it just seems strange that they were all sort of behind them.

“I personally don’t really care that much about it. But I can see.. that does look a bit strange.

“Me not being on it is certainly not a problem.”

Murray’s final warm-up ahead of Wimbledon – which starts on Monday – ended in a 6-4, 6-4 loss to world No. 6 Holger Rune at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic on Wednesday.

“It’s great to play these sorts of matches a few days out from Wimbledon,” he said.

“He’s one of the top players in the world, so you get to see exactly where your game is at. There are things to work on but it keeps you very sharp.

“I would have liked to have done a little bit better but I can start from here and build on this.”

The Briton, who is ranked 39th in the world, will head into his home Grand Slam unseeded and it remains to be seen who he will face in the draw to be held on Friday. AFP