Soares anger over Jamie court ‘snub’

THE man who helped Jamie Murray become the best doubles player in the world last year suggested yesterday that the Scot had been snubbed by Wimbledon organisers after having to play on one of the outside courts.

While Murray said he had no complaints about them having been asked to play their opening match against Roman Jebavy and Jiri Vesely on Court Five, Bruno Soares registered dismay on his partner’s behalf.

“I was very surprised. I think it’s not nice,” said the Brazilian after the third seeds had shut out the distractions in the congested surroundings to come through in straight sets 7-6, 6-2, 6-4.

“It’s difficult for our friends and family to see, imagine what it’s like for the rest of the people?”

Asked where he thought they should be playing Soares made it clear that he was not demanding to be on a show court at this early stage in the doubles.

“I think 14 to 17 is fine, at least where people can see the courts and all the match. Court five literally fits 50 people.

“For what Jamie brings to British tennis, playing at Wimbledon, he’s a member here, I don’t think it’s nice.”

The pair won both the Australian and US Opens in 2016 which ended with Jamie matching his younger brother by claiming end-of-year world No.1 status.

And having won the mixed doubles title here a decade ago, he is anxious to add the Wimbledon men’s doubles crown to his list of achievements.

“It’s a home Grand Slam. Not so many players get that opportunity so that’s obviously huge.

“We’ve won Australia, we’ve won the US Open, so if we were going to choose to win another one it would be here or the French Open,” said the Scot.