Andy Murray roasts ‘idiot’ teammate after Emma Raducanu mistake as Australian Open preparations ramp up

Andy Murray has been involved in an amusing exchange with fellow British tennis player Liam Broady on social media after a case of mistaken identity.

The pair enjoyed a back and forth on Twitter after Broady mistook the Scot for Emma Raducanu’s coach, comparing him to a “teapot” in the process.

Britain’s tennis stars are currently Down Under preparing for the prestigious Australian Open, which is due to take place later this month.

What was said?

On New Year’s Day the LTA shared pictures of Murray and Raducanu hitting strokes in practice sessions, along with the US Open champion sharing a fist pump with coach Torben Beltz.

From the angle at which the photo was taken, however, Beltz bore a passing resemblance to the former world number one, and Broady left a reply on Twitter which read: “Why is Andy’s body shaped like a teapot in the third picture?”

An hour later he took to social media to rectify his mistake, adding: “I’ve just realised this is Emma’s coach and not Andy hahahahahahaha.”

Murray wasn’t about to take the mix up lying down though, and shared a WhatsApp exchange between the pair alongside the caption: “You didn’t realise, Liam. I told you when you messaged me trying to make fun of me. Not only are you an idiot, you’re a liar.”

Broady’s sister Naomi, who is also a tennis player, had the final word on the matter by jokingly adding: “Embarrassment to the family.”

How are preparations for the Australian Open going?

By the looks of things, the British camp seem to be in high spirits heading into the competition.

With action set to get underway on January 17th, Murray in particular looks to be pleased with his preparatory work Down Under.

A recent tweet from the Scot read: “Haven’t been back to Melbourne for three years but it always amazes me the improvements Tennis Australia make to the event year on year”.

Murray will continue his build-up to the open with a Melbourne Summer Set match against Argentinian opponent Facundo Bagnis in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

As for Raducanu, the teen took the decision to pull out of the women’s tournament, citing a need for more time on the practice court after having her preseason interrupted by Covid and an enforced period of isolation.

The British number one will now start her season a week later at the Sydney Tennis Classic instead, meaning that she will play just one event before the Australian Open starts.

In a report on Raducanu’s decision, i suggest that the 19-year-old is “feeling fit and healthy” but does not believe she has yet played enough tennis since her return to “compete adequately”.

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