Murray exception to lack of male support

Maria Sharapova spoke out about the lack of support from male players for the women’s game in the wake of Andy Murray’s retirement announcement.

The Scot has been lauded, perhaps more than anything since his emotional press conference on Friday, for the vocal way in which he has stood up for equality.

While few male players are publicly hostile, even fewer have championed the women’s game like Murray.

Speaking after a 6-0 6-0 victory over Harriet Dart in the opening round of the Australian Open, Sharapova said: “Relatively speaking, I think they have been really tough, especially when it came to equality, as a general point.

“Sitting at a press conference in Wimbledon five, seven years ago, there was not a lot of warmth coming from that side or that perspective. That’s tough. There is definitely a few exceptions in the game, and I’m sure that he’s been one of them.”

Sharapova did not add to the warm tributes to Murray but former US Open champion Sloane Stephens was gushing in her praise for the Scot.

The former US Open champion said: “I’m going to miss him. Honestly I think he’s one of the nicest guys on tour. Everyone is always like, ‘He’s so dry, he’s not funny’. He’s probably the funniest person on tour.

“I hate when somebody dies and everyone wants to be, ‘Oh, my God, they were such a great person’. And now he’s retiring and everyone’s like, ‘He’s such a great person’. But he was great before and nobody paid attention. It’s so sad.

“Now I’m going to cry. It’s just too much. I’m going to miss him.”

Fifth seed Stephens defeated fellow American Taylor Townsend 6-4 6-2 for her first victory at Melbourne Park since 2014, while Sharapova revealed that, despite not losing a game against Dart, she is still struggling with her troublesome shoulder.

Second seed Angelique Kerber eased into the second round with a 6-2 6-2 victory over Polona Hercog, while defending champion Caroline Wozniacki beat Alison Van Uytvanck 6-3 6-4.

Maria Sharapova: Not happy with support