Serena ‘loves’ Murray for ‘casual sexism’ riposte

LONDON: Serena Williams says all women players “love” Andy Murray after the British star won plaudits for slapping down a Wimbledon reporter over “casual sexism”.

Murray’s defence of his Wimbledon title came to an end at the hands of America’s Sam Querrey in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

In his post-match press conference, the 30-year-old was asked for his thoughts on Querrey who was described by a reporter “as the first American to reach a Grand Slam semi-final since 2009”.

However, Murray quickly corrected the questioner.“First male player,” he shot back.Williams, the winner of a record 23 Grand Slam singles titles — 12 of which have come since Andy Roddick was the last US man to make the semi-finals of a Slam at Wimbledon in 2009 — hailed Murray as a great champion of women’s sport.

“There should not be a woman athlete or tennis player who is not totally supportive of Andy Murray,” Williams told ESPN’s SC6 programme.“He has spoken up for women’s rights and issues especially in tennis forever.

“He’s done it again. That’s who he is and that’s the thing we love about him. He has done so much for us on the tour. We love Andy Murray.”Williams, 35, won her seventh Wimbledon title in 2016 but has skipped the tournament this year as she prepares to give birth to her first child next month.