Andy Murray serves up a fashion double

Robert Mendick, Chief Reporter
15 Jun 2009

Not content with trying to follow in Fred Perry's footsteps by becoming the first Briton to win Wimbledon for 73 years, Andy Murray is dressing like him too.

Today Murray unveiled his new, just-for-Wimbledon kit — made, naturally enough, by the Fred Perry sportswear company. A throwback to an era when Britain was really quite good at lawn tennis, Murray, 22, will hope the look will give him the edge over his rivals.

As world No 3 and having just become the first Briton to win at Queen's for 71 years (Bunny Austin was the last to do so), Murray will go into Wimbledon on Monday as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

The kit, which celebrates the centenary of Perry's birth, is designed to keep the player cool. Perry wore long trousers when he won the last of his three Wimbledon titles in 1936 but Murray will take to the court in polo shirt and shorts made from the company's secret Activair man-made material. “It is designed to keep the body cool,” said a spokesman.

Murray has been wearing Fred Perry kit for the past five years despite intense speculation he might be enticed to switch to Nike or adidas.
His new shirt and shorts are embroidered with his monogram, just below the Fred Perry logo.

“I am proud to be wearing an outfit inspired by one of my sporting heroes,” said Murray today. “I've already tested it out a few times and it feels great, the kit is just as much about performance as it is design. I really love the monogram, it makes the shirt feel extra-special.

I hope one day to follow in Fred Perry's footsteps and repeat his success at Wimbledon.”
The new outfit will not be available in the shops. The only other person who will wear it is Murray's brother Jamie.

Now he's looking good, all Murray has to do is go to Wimbledon and win it after so many decades of hurt. So no pressure there, then.