Andy Murray praised for calling out Wimbledon interviewer’s casual sexism

The last few weeks have seen tennis embroiled in a sexism scandal, but Andy Murray has remained consistent in calling out poor form when he sees it.

Just a fortnight after John McEnroe’s comments about Serena Williams’ chances against male players, a line from a Wimbledon interviewer has served to reinforce just how differently some see the men’s and women’s game.

After losing his quarter-final to Sam Querrey in five sets, the world number one was faced by an American reporter who described Querrey as “the first American player to reach the semi-finals since 2009”.

However, as we all well know, Serena Williams has reached the semi-final stage (or further) no fewer than four times since then, while her sister Venus achieved the same feat just 24 hours before Querrey saw off Murray 3-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-1, 6-1.

Without missing a beat, and without even waiting for the question to come to an end, Murray interrupted with “male player”.

Murray has received plenty of praise for his interjection, with fans proud of the fact that he has remained unwavering in his support of women’s tennis as equal to the men’s game – an approach which is sadly not shared by everyone.

The point about everyday sexism is that it often goes unchallenged, even by those who may oppose it, so for Murray to use his platform to correct the language of the interviewer is significant.

Following his hard-fought victory, Querrey will take on Marin Čilić for a place in the final after the Croat beat Gilles Müller, also in five sets.

The winner of that match will face either Roger Federer, who brushed aside Milos Raonic, or Tomáš Berdych, who advanced when opponent Novak Djokovic retired injured.

(Images: Rex Features)