Andy Murray's Mum to be mic'd up in players' box

Published on Sunday 29 August 2010 15:33

TENNIS fans are familiar with Andy Murray's on-court outbursts, but this week TV viewers will be able to hear what his mum Judy is saying when the world No 4 takes to the courts at the US Open.

For the first time in a Grand Slam tournament, the players' box - where family, friends and coaches of the tournament's participants sit - will be wired for sound, picking up every cough, spit and exhortation as players' loved ones watch the world's top players fight it out for the title.

The microphones will be installed by a TV network and the sound feed will be broadcast after being cleared for expletives and libellous comments about opponents.

As well as giving viewers a unique insight into how each player's teams react during a match, the technology may also shine a light on illegal coaching, where coaches shout guidance to their players on court that contravenes tournament rules.

Dunblane-born Murray, who believes the US Open is his best chance of winning a Grand Slam title, admitted that the Murray camp could make a lot of noise during matches.

He said: "They are pretty vocal and I have no problem with that. There's no coaching, just encouragement, a lot of 'come-ons' and 'you can do it', and those sort of things."