Playing the long game

From Grand Slams to Game Plans: Jamie Murray on Tennis, Tech, and Trust at Web Summit Lisbon 2025

Mr. José Morgado, a journalist and tennis commentator, welcomed Mr. Jamie Murray, a seven-time Grand Slam champion and former doubles World No. 1, to Web Summit Lisbon 2025. Mr. Murray attributed his career success to talent, hard work, and mentality, crediting his mother’s early coaching, Louis Kaye’s guidance, and the inspiring work ethic of his brother, Sir Andy Murray. Despite the demanding 11-month calendar, his love for the sport and significant improvements in tournament infrastructure since 2006 kept him motivated and dedicated.

In doubles, partnership is paramount, with chemistry being vital both on and off the court. Mr. Murray emphasized that partners spend extensive time together, making a strong relationship crucial for trust and navigating high-pressure match situations. His six-year partnership with Bruno Soares exemplified this. Winning the Davis Cup with his brother, Sir Andy Murray, in Scotland, further highlighted the profound impact of trust and shared commitment in emotionally charged matches.

Mr. Murray discussed the increasing role of AI and technology in tennis. He anticipates AI-driven tools will enhance data analysis for player strengths, weaknesses, and patterns of play. This technology will also be instrumental in load management, tracking physical metrics to optimize training, mitigate injury risks, and ultimately prolong player careers. Tennis inherently teaches resilience, as players frequently experience losses, fostering adaptability to uncertain schedules and rapid decision-making under pressure.

Modern tennis prioritizes career longevity through advanced recovery methods. Mr. Murray observed that players now focus intensely on physical well-being, leveraging increased knowledge and improved facilities. This emphasis allows athletes to extend their competitive careers by several years. His new role as Tournament Director for the ATP 500 at Queen’s Club offered valuable insights into event organization, revealing the immense behind-the-scenes effort. He believes the disciplined, goal-oriented, and pressure-handling mindset of athletes is highly transferable to business leadership.

For aspiring young players, Mr. Murray advised prioritizing game and physical development over early results, as junior rankings do not guarantee senior success. He stressed hard work, learning from the journey, and seeking diverse advice to find individual pathways. He also addressed financial challenges for lower-ranked players, noting that prize money at entry-level events hasn’t kept pace with rising costs, and highlighted the need for better marketing and social media presence to elevate doubles as a product.