‘Some people want to kill us’ – Murray says doubles is ‘losing its purpose’
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Jamie Murray admits he is worried for the future of doubles tournaments, claiming “some people want to kill us”.
The Scot has enjoyed a successful week, winning the Qatar ExxonMobil Open title alongside partner Michael Venus.
The pair beat Lorenzo Musetti and Lorenzo Sonego over three sets in the final, eventually coming through a champions tie break 10-8 to lift the trophy.
It is their first title of the year, having also won four tournaments together last year, but the former world No. 1 is concerned that doubles events are not being given the respect they deserve.
“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 want to kill us.”
Murray, brother of three-time major winner Andy, lifted his first Grand Slam title back in 2007 when he partnered Jelena Jankovic to mixed-doubles glory at Wimbledon.
His peak would come a nearly decade later though, lifting the Australian Open and US Open men’s doubles titles in 2016, while he added further mixed-doubles crowns at SW19 in 2017 and Flushing Meadows in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
That has paved the way for a glittering few years in doubles tournaments for Great Britain, with Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski following in his footsteps to win major titles.
But Murray thinks the support is not there for events to continue to thrive.
“It just feels like it’s slowly going downhill,” he continued. “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.
“The Masters 1000 is a big problem because you’re playing the doubles tournament over 12 days which is just ludicrous. Five matches across 12 days is just crazy.
“So I think they should be starting double on day one of the main draw, compress it so the final is next Thursday or Friday. 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.
“There’s a lot of little kinks that could be smoothed out with a bit of care and attention.”
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