DWC 100 Women: Judy Murray, Tennis on the Road

The story of Judy Murray is as compelling as any of the thrilling matches on Centre Court at Wimbledon. A woman whose name often comes after her sons, Judy is far more than just “the mother of Andy and Jamie Murray”; she is a fierce advocate for women's equality in sports, a trailblazing coach, and a mentor who’s challenged the very landscape of British tennis.

Judy's journey into tennis didn’t follow a traditional path. Growing up in Scotland, she learned the game in a country where tennis wasn’t particularly popular or accessible, especially for women. Despite this, Judy developed a love for the game and the ambition to make it accessible to all, regardless of location or resources. Her vision was unwavering, even as she juggled family life with her passion for coaching—a passion that has impacted not only her family but also countless young people inspired by her dedication.

As a mother, Judy Murray’s influence on Andy and Jamie’s careers is unmistakable. She coached them tirelessly, facing skepticism from those who doubted a mother’s capacity to mold champions. Critics underestimated her—often attributing her sons’ success solely to their talent. But Judy saw potential in them that only a mother and a true coach could, working through countless hours of training, travel, and trials. Her journey demanded sacrifices, often overshadowed by the accomplishments of her sons. But she persisted, standing as both a coach and mother, offering a supportive and strong foundation that contributed to their rise as two of Britain’s greatest tennis players.

Beyond her sons, Judy’s activism speaks volumes. She has become a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports, a field where women have traditionally been underrepresented and undervalued. She realized early on that female coaches and players were often marginalized, and she knew she wanted to help shift that. With her voice and platform, Judy has highlighted the lack of female coaches in tennis and has advocated for increased opportunities for women to rise through the ranks in coaching and leadership roles. Her work has driven initiatives to support young female athletes and empower women in tennis.

Her advocacy led to the founding of Miss-Hits, a program designed to introduce girls to tennis in a fun, engaging way. Judy knew that getting young girls involved in sports wasn’t just about teaching them how to play—it was about building their confidence and leadership skills. She has said, “It’s not just about playing tennis; it’s about building a community of girls who feel they belong.” Through Miss-Hits, Judy has created a legacy that will help countless young girls find their strength and build friendships on the court.

Judy also established Tennis on the Road, a project aimed at bringing tennis to remote communities in Scotland. This project speaks to her deep-rooted belief that sport should be accessible to everyone, no matter where they live. With Tennis on the Road, Judy and her team have visited schools and clubs in small towns across Scotland, teaching both children and local coaches. In a world where access often determines opportunity, she has fought to level the playing field, showing that talent can bloom anywhere.

Despite these accomplishments, Judy’s journey has been met with its share of obstacles. She’s faced years of criticism, doubt, and the biases that come with being a woman in a male-dominated field. Yet her passion and commitment have always carried her forward. Each setback seemed only to spark her to do more—to build more pathways for young people and women in tennis and to create a future where their dreams can thrive.

Judy Murray is an inspiration not only because of what she’s done for her sons but because of what she’s done for the sport, for young people, and for women everywhere. Her story is about strength, the courage to take risks, and the power to create change. Through her activism and dedication, she has shown us that the heart of a champion beats just as strongly in those who coach, who support, and who lead the way as it does in those who raise the trophies.