Andy Murray's Call for Safer Social Media

Sir Andy Murray, the three-time Grand Slam champion, has voiced his concerns about the damaging effects of social media on young athletes and children. Murray, who retired from professional tennis in August 2024, emphasized the need for more robust measures to combat online abuse.

The Prevalence of Social Media Abuse

Despite years of athletes speaking out, Murray noted that the prevalence of social media abuse "hasn't really changed." He shared his personal experiences, recalling how he initially found it "difficult" to deal with online hostility when he started his career. By the end of his professional journey, Murray had learned to ignore such negativity, but he remains deeply concerned about its impact on younger generations.

Protecting Children from Harmful Content

As a father of four, Murray is particularly worried about the effects of social media on children. He and his wife are striving to keep their children off social media until they are much older, citing the potential for significant harm. "I think it can be pretty damaging," Murray stated, highlighting the importance of shielding young minds from toxic content.

Government and Tech Company Responsibilities

Murray acknowledged the efforts of the UK government, which has introduced the Online Safety Act to protect young people from harmful content. However, he believes that technology firms must do more to address the issue. "I don't know whose responsibility it is," Murray admitted, "but something needs to be done to stop these messages from reaching individuals."

Athletes' Role in Combating Abuse

While Murray suggested that athletes could help themselves by avoiding social media comments immediately after matches, he stressed that the onus should not be on them to solve the problem. Former British tennis player Naomi Broady also shared her experiences, revealing that she no longer shows her children's faces online due to past trolling incidents.

A Bright Future for Tennis

Amidst these concerns, Murray remains optimistic about the future of tennis. He recently participated in an event with schoolchildren in Surrey to mark the completion of the LTA's Park Tennis Project, which has refurbished courts across 1,000 parks in the UK. Murray expressed his hope that similar projects focusing on covered courts will be the next step in keeping children engaged in tennis during winter.

Supporting the Next Generation

With Wimbledon around the corner, Murray backed British number one Jack Draper to handle the pressure of being the fourth seed. "He's played in difficult environments and under pressure before," Murray said, "and I'm sure he'll cope with it well."

A Legacy in Stone

In a fitting tribute to his illustrious career, it was confirmed that the All England Club plans to erect a statue of Murray at Wimbledon by 2027. While Murray has no immediate plans to attend this year's tournament, he remains a passionate advocate for the sport and its future.