British tennis legend Andy Murray and his brother Jamie once had such a serious falling out that the siblings refused to speak for weeks. However, that didn’t stop them from taking thinly veiled swipes at each other through the media. Observing the brothers and the affection they demonstrate towards one another now, it’s hard to imagine a period when relations were strained.
Yet that’s exactly what happened in 2008 when doubles expert Jamie was furious after his younger sibling pulled out of a playing obligation. Great Britain were set to take on Argentina in the Davis Cup first round that year when Andy announced he wouldn’t be taking part as anticipated due to fears over worsening a knee problem. Jamie instead partnered with late call-up Ross Hutchins as Team GB crashed out early to the eventual finalists.
Speaking about his brother’s withdrawal at the time, Jamie described Andy’s choice as “disappointing.” He continued to emphasise the resentment he harboured towards his sibling, saying: “It kind of affects the way we feel about him.
“I think it’s disappointing he chose not to come. From what I have been reading he hasn’t come out and said he’s injured, it’s more a prevention thing. I think if he had really wanted to push himself he could have come here for the match.
“It was a shock for me and for the team. I was not aware he had a problem. From his point of view, I guess he doesn’t have anything to apologise for as he’s taken the decision not to come.
“If he had come here, he would have caused them problems because he has the ability to win singles matches, he’s a world-class player. He’s been in the top 10 and not by fluke. I think he would have liked to come here and had the crowd against him, he plays better in those circumstances.”
The situation escalated quickly when Andy, who hung up his racket last year, fired back at his brother’s comments. The younger Murray even went as far as to belittle his brother’s less impressive singles record to make his point.
Reacting to Jamie’s remarks, two-time Wimbledon champion Andy said: “It was a little bit disappointing. But he obviously felt pretty strongly about it and he’s entitled to his opinion. If he knew what it was like playing three five-set matches in a row on clay then maybe he’d understand my position a little bit better.
“I’ve not spoken to him yet. I’ll see him soon. I guess we’ll have to have a chat about it and just discuss our feelings on Davis Cup and the sort of position that I am in, but it’s probably not going to be the most fun conversation to have with your brother.”
Unsurprisingly, the brothers’ mother and former coach, Judy, found herself in a tricky situation as the pair squabbled. Yet, after two weeks of radio silence, the issue was finally resolved.
Fast forward to the present day, and the Murrays’ brotherly bond seems stronger than ever. It’s only appropriate that Andy’s final Wimbledon match was played alongside his brother, following Emma Raducanu’s decision to withdraw from their mixed doubles agreement, bringing his storied SW19 career to a sudden halt.
