Jamie inspires next generation
The area’s first Wimbledon champion is hoping his love of tennis will inspire young players at a tournament on Sunday.
Sixty-four players aged 12 and under will take part in the Jamie Murray Doubles Cup at Bridge of Allan Sports Club from noon until 6pm.
Playing doubles and mixed doubles, there is a team format - and fun rules.
And the winning team will earn themselves flights to London on July 18 and tickets to watch the doubles in the Great Britain v France Davis Cup quarter-final at Queen’s Club.
There will be 16 teams - two boys, two girls and a coach - from all over Scotland.
While Jamie will not be there, mum Judy Murray will be there to represent him.
Jamie was the junior world number 2 when he was 13 years old and in 2004 he partnered younger brother Andy to the semi-final of the Junior US Open.
He won the Wimbledon mixed doubles title in 2007 with Jelena Jankovic.
While brother Andy may have created a name for himself by playing mainly singles, Jamie has firmly established himself as Britain’s number one doubles player.
He said:“Doubles is the bedrock of our club and county game.
“I understand the importance of promoting doubles to kids and the fun that comes from playing as part of a team.
“I’ve always loved doubles and playing in a team. I first played team tennis when I was 10 years old, when I was picked for the men’s 3rd team at Dunblane Sports Club. My partner was about 60 but I learned loads from playing with adults.
“I’ve been a pro doubles player for about nine years now and have 11 ATP Tour titles and one Grand Slam title.
“I love playing Davis Cup because the team spirit is incredible and I have given the winning team on Sunday the opportunity to watch the action from GB v France in July because it will give both players and coaches a huge inspiration to keep improving their tennis.”
The games on Sunday are timed matches of 15 minutes.
Among the fun rules there is only one point after deuce and a super sub can sub one player for one point during each minute match. Teams can claim to replay one point and can cheat on one point per match.