Andy Murray is an entrepreneur in addition to his profession as a professional tennis player. Now he has started with his company 77 Sports Management and helps young athletes on their way into professional life.
Andy Murray was taken under the wing of a sports agency at an early age – as is customary in many sports and especially in tennis “I signed my first contract with a management company at the age of twelve or 13. Which is completely ridiculous to me. It’s way, way too early at this age – no one needs that pressure,”the Scotsman explained in an interview with BBC. For the first time, Murray is now talking openly about his new role as a mentor in his own management company called 77 Sports Managent.
After his Wimbledon triumph in 2013, he launched this activity:”During my career as a professional – and as a young athlete – I worked with three or four companies and trusted some people. That’s how it all started,”added the 30-year-old. Now, Murray said, he was tempted to take on the role of mentor and to help young British athletes, whether they are “female or male”.
Murray’s company offers athletes a complete package – including areas such as nutrition, sports science, commercial opportunities and, of course, sports promotion. The three-time Grand Slam winner always wants to have an open ear:”If parents or other responsible persons should have questions about these areas, I will be there for them and do my utmost” A factor in dealing with the athletes as mentors is particularly important. Murray believes it is important that he is a professional himself, so that he can understand some things better when it comes to the sporting challenges, Murray continues.
Now the first three athletes are certain. Among them are not only tennis pros – as one would expect. No, two of the three recruits make up the twins Shannon and Cheriece Hylton. The 20-year-olds work as sprinters in athletics. However, the third player in the team is 17-year-old tennis youngster Aiden McHugh.
Murray’s choice was not only determined by the sporting conditions. Professional interests are also said to have played an important role. For example, Shannon studies bio-medicine, her sister is interested in business management,”A career includes other aspects such as the sporting part. Education is also a part of being prepared for life after your career,”explained the father of two children.
Of course Murray can give important advice to his male tennis protégé. At the tournament in Wimbledon in 2017, the two of them trained together and got to know each other. The 17-year-old is fascinated and looks forward to working with him:”I’ve been following his career all my life and it’s totally cool to be able to talk to him now and get advice from him,”McHugh admitted. Despite the support of the world star, the 17-year-old is modest:”I don’t want to think and dream so much about my future. Or money. I hope that next year I can start well with the men and then we will see. The team around me will definitely help me move forward,” and certainly Sir Andy’s commitment.