British tennis star Andy Murray, who has been without a coach since March of this year, just announced that he is hiring former world No. 1 Amélie Mauresmo as his new coach.
Mauresmo has won two major titles herself (the Australian Open and Wimbledon, both in 2006) and was ranked world No. 1 for a total of 39 weeks during her career.
While it is rare for a male tennis player to hire a female coach, it is not unprecedented (although Murray is the highest profile player to have done so).
Players Mikhail Kukushkin and Denis Istomin have had female coaches, and Mauresmo herself coached fellow French player Michael Llodra for a brief period in 2010.
Unfortunately, some have turned to social media to criticize Murray's decision to hire a female coach.
Seems weird to me that Andy Murray would hire a woman coach
Not being sexist but how can a woman improve Andy Murray's game?!
@andy_murray you tosse u appoint a woman as your coach you'll never win another grand slam again. Haha
Can't believe Andy Murray has appointed a woman as his coach, not impressed
WHY would Andy Murray hire a coach that's a woman?!?!?
Andy Murray has appointed a woman as his new coach. There goes any chance of another Grand Slam title.
Many of the complaints invoke derogatory rhetoric about female athletes, criticizing Mauresmo's femininity.
I thought Andy Murray's new coach was a woman. #AndyMurray
Andy Murray being coached by a woman who looks like my Dad struggling with a hefty shite. #Mauresmo
Amelie mauresmo to be andy murray's new tennis coach! About sums him up he plays like a woman only she's more man than he'll ever be.
@AaruC Andy Murray has appointed Amelie Mauresmo as coach. What's the big deal? It's not like he appointed a woman as coach #killsSelf
"@SkySportsTennis: Amelie Mauresmo has been appointed as Andy Murray's new coach. " is this a man or a woman?
While others are utilizing sexist arguments to argue that Mauresmo has nothing to bring to the table besides "traditional" female roles.
Great choice for Andy Murray to hire a woman as his new coach. Bet he has lots of washing up and cooking on the tour which she can do!
For what it's worth, there are many expressing support for Murray's decision as well.
Mauresmo is currently signed on only through the grass court season, which lasts until the end of Wimbledon in early July, although she may stay on if the partnership works out.
