Andy’s major legacy
IT’S not three Grand Slams, two Olympic gold medals and 10 months as world No.1 that will be Andy Murray’s greatest legacy.
According to Aussie doubles specialist Casey Dellacqua it will be the Scot’s qualities as a human being.
Murray has long been a vociferous champion of equality on the men’s and women’s tennis tours.
And world No.14 doubles star Dellacqua said: “Andy probably doesn’t realise but that has such an impact on the women’s tour. He’s made a big difference.
“Credit to him for being a quality human being. He has had a great career but sometimes the legacy you leave in terms of what you do off the court can be strong as well. He’s done a good job in both.”
Dellacqua was speaking at the Wuhan Open in China where she and Ashleigh Barty reached the quarter-finals with a 7-6 3-6 10-5 victory over Andreja Klepac and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez.
As a gay woman with a partner and two young children, Dellacqua was inspired by Murray’s example to write a column on playersvoice.com.au last week supporting same-sex marriage in Australia’s marriage equality postal survey.
She added: “I admire Andy. I admire the fact he has the courage to stand up for things he believes in and he speaks up.
“So it was important for me to write that. There are times in your career and life where you do need to stand up for things you believe in.
“The fact Andy speaks up for equality for women in sport is huge. It’s amazing.”
● British No.2 Kyle Edmund was beaten by Jared Donaldson in the second round of the Chengdu Open with the young American clinching a tight decider to win 6-0 1-6 6-4.