British tennis star Jamie Murray has been one of the prime contenders in the field of doubles tennis. He has recently been quite critical about the sport’s way of treating the doubles department and feels that the ways need to change quickly for the survival of this form of the game.
Currently participating at the Qatar Open in Doha, Murray talked a lot about doubles tennis after having qualified for the semis at the competition. Murray stated that currently he has no clue about what’s happening with this form of tennis and believes that sooner or later, this will be going downhill eventually.
Murray feels that the value of doubles tennis in the minds of the people has lessened and wants the board to try and increase its value on the tour with a bit more care and attention.
I don’t know what the outcome will be, but I think it’s not a great path we’re going down now because it feels like some people wanna kill us, I don’t know (he laughs). Jamie Murray via tennismajors
He further added;
It just feels like it’s slowly going downhill and eventually, people are just like ‘It sucks, we don’t need it. It just doesn’t do anything for us.’ Whereas, actually, with a bit of care and attention, you could elevate it and bring more value to the Tour. I sent a document to them with all the issues I see. And things that don’t cost money to change.
Changes that should be pushed in doubles tennis according to Jamie Murray
For a person who has given a lot to doubles tennis, it is quite heartbreaking to see Murray feeling that his contribution to the sport is hugely unappreciated presently. Murray strikes the idea of keeping the tennis stars longer into the tournament, which in turn will gather more supporters and buzz around the stadium.
Murray said,
Singles players don’t want to wait seven days for the final if they lose in the first round in singles. That, for me, is a no-brainer: enhance the opportunities for these guys to finish the tournament. That’s also valuable for the tournament to keep them longer because the fans will come and watch.
He also insisted on the idea of increasing the prize money so that it would motivate the players to play at the competition and also finish the tournament. The fact that the singles department has been heel and heaven ahead in terms of prize money has led players to take a walkover in the doubles department which also infuriates Murray.
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