MEMBERS OF Andy Murray’s family have reacted with fury that an “appalling” Wimbledon drawing has not included the British tennis superstar.
On Tuesday afternoon, the All England Club unveiled on its official social media channels an image of 15 champions past and present walking down the stairs of the main building.
Andy Murray has been left out of a painting of past Wimbledon champions
At Wimbledon, we've witnessed epic rivalry after epic rivalry, lifting the sport to new heights
Here's to the next generation of headline acts… pic.twitter.com/Lq9J2qVQEn
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 20, 2023
At the forefront of the image are members of the “next generation of headline acts” Spaniard world No.2 Carlos Alcaraz and Italian Jannik Sinner – neither of whom have made it past the quarter-finals at SW19.
In the background are depictions of “epic rivals” Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and the Williams sisters Serena and Venus.
There are also two women right at the top of the staircase but it is difficult to work out their identities.
Yet there is NO image of Murray, a two-time Wimbledon champion, whose famous victory in July 2013 ended 77 years of waiting for a home-grown British male singles winner.
The illustration also misses out the likes of multiple champions Steffi Graf, Rod Laver, Billie Jean King, Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras.
Fans reacted with outrage that Murray, who was officially knighted in May 2019, was left out of the composition.
Murray’s uncle Niall Erskine tweeted: “Appalling at every level, all about the men in the forefront and your own British history-maker nowhere to be seen. You should be ashamed of yourselves.”
Elder brother Jamie – who has won two Wimbledon mixed doubles titles – asked: “Where’s Andy Murray?”
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LA-based freelance illustrator Grant Gruenhaupt responded to the criticism by saying: “Worry not Jamie, there are more paintings on the way.”
He added: “Back with Wimbledon on another fun series celebrating historic moments and players!
“This one featuring the greatest rivalries of the past and present as they make the historic walk through the clubhouse and onto Centre Court.
“A lot of nuance in this one. Definitely one of the more challenging scenes I’ve had to tackle.”
