Andy's mom knows the score

Among all the big names at this year's Wuhan Open, Judy Murray, a former British Fed Cup captain and the mother of two-time Wimbledon champ Andy Murray, had the closest connection with local kids.

In conjunction with the tournament, Murray introduced her Miss Hits girl's introductory tennis coaching program and Come Play program, partnering with the WTA to grow the game and encourage more girls to put down their cell phones and pick up tennis rackets.

As a global community outreach program, Come Play is part of the WTA's fall swing of tournaments in Wuhan, Beijing and Singapore, with a series of clinics led by Murray.

"For me, teaching tennis, particularly to youngsters, is like all traditional sports nowadays - we have to work really hard because we are competing with so many other things to get young people's time," said Murray.

"Especially, we are competing with screens ... phones and other devices that make kids sit down. It's about developing the very simple physical skills that actually benefit all sports."

Murray also mentored 50 local tennis trainers and instructors to ensure the initiative continues.

"When I'm no longer here, if someone wants to spark some kids, you want to know that someone can do that," said Murray, who stressed the goal is not to find the next superstar, but to teach the kids basic skills that can benefit their lives for years to come.

She cites her sons as shining examples.

"Andy is a very good footballer and Jamie plays golf. They could do any sports in their lives because they invested in the skills," said Murray.

"Today there is too much preoccupation with screens and sitting indoors. I'm trying to convince parents to not leave everything up to the schools.

"A little more can be done at home. It's fun to play with your kids."

In support of Come Play, WTA players, coaches and alumni will participate in clinics and activities worldwide, reaching out to a wide range of community organizations and grassroots programs.

WTA Charities supports Come Play by providing equipment as well as funding expenses for clinics and other activities.

"We are excited to build the footprint of WTA Charities and to introduce Come Play together with Judy, who is an amazing advocate for the sport," said Ann Austin, the WTA's senior director of community development.

(China Daily 09/29/2018 page10)