Jules Marie, currently ranked 230th in the ATP, has made headlines with his audacious plea to Andy Murray. The 32-year-old Frenchman, known for his vlogs that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the secondary tennis circuit, took to Instagram to ask Murray to withdraw from Wimbledon, thus giving him a chance to compete. Marie's message read, 'My friend, my GOAT, my idol. I am the first player on the substitutes list, is there any chance that you could withdraw from Wimbledon before 10am, that would allow me to play my first Wimbledon. THANKS. That would be my dream.'
The plea was met with mixed reactions on social media. While some followers appreciated Marie's boldness and originality, others criticized it as disrespectful to Murray, who was dealing with a back injury. Marie later explained his actions in another Instagram story, stating that he had no bad intentions and was merely trying to seize an opportunity. 'My message to Andy caused a lot of laughter. Others less so, you can't please everyone. Obviously, I had no bad intentions,' he wrote.
Marie further elaborated on his situation, explaining the urgency behind his message. 'He was announced forfeit by all the media including the ATP. I said to myself that it was still a shame if he left at 11:10 a.m. instead of before 11 a.m. because I wouldn't be able to play. I don't even know if he knows the rule because I don't think he's ever been in this situation. Two and a half years on the ATP circuit, toiling every week: being so close to the goal and potentially not achieving it within ten minutes was inconceivable just for a withdrawal from an official list,' he explained.
Marie spent the day at the Roehampton club, where the Wimbledon qualifiers are held, answering questions from local media intrigued by his story. His persistence paid off when Calvin Hemery withdrew, allowing Marie to be drafted into the qualifiers. He played his first round against fellow Frenchman Luca Van Assche. 'So a little cheeky message because if you don't try, you get nothing. Finally, I read that his team denied the information. I wish Andy a good recovery and a good Wimbledon if he plays it. And for me, it will be next year without having to wait for a package,' Marie concluded.
- Jules Marie's journey in professional tennis has been a roller coaster. Currently ranked 246th in the world, he has become a notable figure not just for his on-court skills but also for his engaging social media presence. His YouTube channel, which has nearly 125,000 followers, offers a unique glimpse into the life of a tennis player navigating the secondary circuits.
- Marie has won 18 titles on the Futures circuit, a testament to his perseverance and dedication. His latest attempt to enter Wimbledon by reaching out to Andy Murray highlights the lengths to which athletes go to achieve their dreams. While his approach may have been unorthodox, it underscores the competitive nature and the relentless pursuit of opportunities that define professional sports.
