Former world No. 1 Andy Murray, posted a screenshot on Instagram of an interview in which 1996 Wimbledon finalist MaliVai Washington points out that none of the 24 board members across the two organizations are from a black, Asian, or minority ethnic background. This has led to a debate on the issue among the audience.
Coco Gauff has said that she is inspired by Murray after he pinpointed the issue. She said “Nothing’s wrong with asking for more diversity. For him to say that is definitely inspiring, especially with him being a man and white.”
For someone like him to call for diversity, it shows how great an ally he is… I love what Andy is doing on and off the court. He’s one of my favorite players to watch. “It’s important we do have diversity because there are people from all over the world from different backgrounds and areas and I think representation is important. At least for me, as a girl… seeing yourself being represented means a lot.”
Andy Murray has been a feminist icon in the past
Murray always supported diversity, especially in favor of women not just in words but also by his actions. He had a female coach, former No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo in 2014-16.
Murray had won seven titles with the Frenchwoman in his corner including his first two on clay. Murray represents Great Britain in his sporting activities and is a three-time Grand Slam tournament winner, two-time Olympic champion.
At 16 years of age, Coco Gauff is very active in supporting diversity and the fight to support the black community.
Cori “Coco” Gauff is one of the most ambitious players who play for America. She is the youngest player ranked in the top 100 by the WTA and has a career-high ranking of No. 49 in the world in singles, and No. 42 in doubles.
Along with her excellent career graph, she is an inspiration because she speaks out against social and racial injustice in the United States. She took a break during the pandemic and used it to raise her voice for the issue.
The Scot captioned the image “Tennis in 2020” and added a confused emoji, prompting her to describe Murray as a “great ally” in the fight for more diversity.
The LTA has said: “This is an ongoing process and we are building on the progress that has already been made as we develop our strategy for increasing diversity and driving real change in tennis,” said LTA chief Scott Lloyd earlier this year.
“We will share this with you, but I believe if such change is going to happen, then, as the national governing body for our sport, we have a clear responsibility to lead from the front.”
Cori Gauff in 2020
Currently ranked no.55, Gauff played her last match on the 22nd of October when she lost to Aryna Sabalenka 1-6 7-5 7-62 in the 2nd round in Ostrava.
Cori Gauff’s most significant performance of the present season was getting to the semi-finals in Lexington.
Andy Murray in 2020
Ranked no.116, the Brit played his last match on the 13th of October when he capitulated to Fernando Verdasco 6-4 6-4 in the 1st round in Cologne.
