Judy Murray Reveals Financial Struggles Behind Sons’ Rise in Tennis
The journey to sporting greatness is often paved with unseen sacrifices, and for Judy Murray, mother of British tennis champion Sir Andy Murray, those sacrifices were steeped in financial hardship and uncertainty. She has recently opened up about the “toughest time” she experienced financially while nurturing her sons Andy and Jamie through the ranks of professional tennis. Today, Andy Murray is considered one of Britain’s most celebrated athletes, amassing a fortune estimated at £110 million, but his mother’s tales remind us that the path was far from easy.
Now 65, Judy Murray reflects candidly on those lean years when prospects were uncertain and every penny had to be accounted for. She discussed how her own financial anxiety was inherited from her mother, who was always wary of unpaid bills and reluctant to owe anyone anything. “When I was young, my mother would get into a panic if there was a final demand notice. That kind of fear about money definitely rubbed off on me,” Judy commented recently in an interview with iNews.
Judy’s prudent habits meant she never owned a credit card and was averse to making investments, preferring to avoid debt at all costs. This cautious approach became particularly significant when, before Andy was born, she moved from Glasgow to Dunblane, leaving behind her job as a sales rep at a confectionery company. Instead, she poured her energy into coaching her two sons—often at the expense of her own financial security.
“Choosing to give up steady employment to support my sons in tennis was a huge gamble,” Judy reflected. As Andy and Jamie’s tennis abilities flourished, she doubled down on her commitment, coaching them personally at first before bringing in professional guidance as their skills advanced.
The real test of the family’s resolve—and resources—came when Andy, then 15, needed to relocate to Barcelona for elite-level training. “He had become one of the best in Europe and needed tougher training, along with sparring partners who could really challenge him,” Judy explained. However, the cost of sending him abroad, estimated at £30,000 to £35,000 a year, was more than her entire annual salary at the time.
Faced with this daunting figure, Judy described it as a period of incredibly intense financial stress. Fortunately, a £10,000 sponsorship and a modest inheritance from her great-uncle provided crucial assistance, allowing Andy to pursue training in Spain. She believes this opportunity was pivotal in his development, changing the trajectory of his career.
Despite her status as a national coach in 1995, Judy Murray earned only £25,000 a year, highlighting the discrepancy between her expertise and her earnings. “For most of my professional life I was self-employed and not in a position to save much for the future. Pensions were something I only learned to consider much later in life,” she admitted, a revelation that underscores the financial vulnerability of many sports coaches and self-employed professionals.
Judy’s new book, ‘Game, Set & Murder’, offers a deeper look into her personal journey—not only the athletic triumphs but also the behind-the-scenes challenges that shaped her family. Now, with Andy having retired and cemented his place in tennis history, Judy has the peace of mind that financial worries no longer dominate her daily concerns. Nonetheless, she insists that their humble, pragmatic approach to money remains as relevant as ever.
Judy Murray’s candid reflections serve as a reminder that while success on the world stage is highly visible, the sacrifices and struggles that make it possible are often hidden from view. Her story highlights the resilience and determination required not only from athletes but from their families as well, offering inspiration to anyone facing similar obstacles in pursuit of their dreams.