Andy Murray sent a text message to TNT Sports presenter Laura Robson while watching the Australian Open, expressing his view that the broadcast team had not devoted sufficient coverage to rising star Learner Tien.
The American teenager, seeded 25th in Melbourne, had just secured his place in the third round with a commanding victory over Alexander Shevchenko, winning 6-2, 5-7, 6-1, 6-0.
Murray, who ended his professional playing career in 2024, remains an avid follower of tennis and was clearly impressed by Tien’s performance, feeling the young player deserved greater recognition from the punditry panel.
Robson disclosed Murray’s intervention during Wednesday’s TNT Sports broadcast, telling viewers: “He [Learner Tien] has got some big fans because I have a text from Andy Murray who was watching and mentioned that we weren’t speaking enough about Learner Tien.”
Tennis legend John McEnroe, who was part of the coverage team, wasted no time in responding to the former British number one’s critique.
McEnroe extended an open invitation to Murray, saying: “Come on down and visit.”
The exchange has fuelled ongoing speculation about whether the three-time Grand Slam winner might eventually transition into television punditry work.
Learner Tien has impressed at the Australian Open so far
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Since hanging up his racket for good last year, the four-time Grand Slam champion has largely stepped back from tennis-related roles.
His one notable exception was a brief stint working alongside former rival Novak Djokovic as part of the Serbian star’s coaching setup.
Beyond that collaboration, Murray has avoided committing to any formal position within the sport.
Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PA
The BBC has reportedly been exploring ways to refresh its Wimbledon coverage, with Murray’s name mentioned as a potential addition to their punditry lineup.
However, the Scot has yet to take up any broadcasting opportunities, despite widespread interest in securing his expertise and insights.
Robson has previously encouraged Murray to consider a career behind the microphone, revealing she regularly asks him about joining the broadcast team.
“I’ve told him I’d like to see it!” she said earlier this month.
Laura Robson and Andy Murray pictured at Wimbledon in 2023
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“Every time I see him, I’m like: ‘When are you coming on?’
“But no, I think he’s just happy to play golf at the minute.”
The former British tennis star believes Murray would thrive in such a role, adding: “I know he’d be great and he would kill it in any sort of analyst role.”
Robson also noted that Murray considers men’s matches too lengthy for commentary work, suggesting women’s matches might prove a more suitable starting point.
