Does Andy Murray really win 'British' but lose 'Scottish'?

It's long been said that 'Andy Murray wins British and loses Scottish' in the fickle eyes of a predominantly London-based UK media, willing to cash in on his victories but quick to send "him homeward, to think again" when he is beaten.

Some of the reasoning here is understandble. The media must reflect and tap into the public's own conflicting feelings towards Murray. They must reflect the hunger among tennis fans for some British success in a sport where our notable achievements rank as few and far between as those of Kenyan skiers and Dutch mountaineers (probably).

But, like many in their target audience, most media outlets have struggled to warm to a man who appears to possess few of the qualities that elevate an able sportsman to a popular icon. Murray's outspoken dislike of the English probably didn't help his cause (though increased endorsements seem to have brought some back-pedaling in the media on that point), but even on court, where he undeniably does what he does well, it's hard to shake the notion his opponent may be the better man. 

"Scot"

But now to the numbers. If we look at the past week, as Murray ascended to the final - or at least closed in on widely anticipated defeat at the hands of Federer - the UK media reported on Andy Murray predominantly as a "Scot" a grand total of 1,290 times. Meanwhile he was reported as being predominantly a "Brit" just 96 times, according to Google News.

However, the count for "Scottish" versus "British" appearing in the articles, but not necessarily directly describing his nationality, is an overwhelming 93 versus 2,038, suggesting perhaps a careful and convenient balancing act was in place; making clear it is definitely a "Scot" who carried the hopes of "British" tennis.

We are still left guessing how all this might change if Murray ever wins a tournament of note, but until then, Murray much like his rackets, appears to be being held very much at arm's length.

Comments

[Nicol J. Craig]

Murray was holding a British flag for the media shot for BBC news... perhaps a revealing indication of future coverage? When he wins a grand slam; don't think they'll be much doubt that he's a 'briton'. Except for Scottish news obviously.

"Murray's outspoken dislike of the English probably didn't help his cause." - Didn't he just say that he didn't like to be referred to as English (understandably)? Rather than disliking the English per se.

Interesting article.

Cheers,
Nicol

[Chris S.]

Nicol, I suspect it was probably his comment that in lieue of Scotland qualifying for the last football World Cup, he would instead keep himself happy by suporting whoever England's opponents were.

Hence I suspect the Swiss support in pockets of the country this morning.

[Chris Lee]

This is just classic Scottish chip-on-shoulderness saying that the English claim him as a 'Brit' until he loses (speaking as a part-Scot, btw). I've seen plenty of Scots saying that on Twitter.

Will's proven that the media referred to him as a 'Scot' many times more than a 'Brit', so let's hope this rubbish 'debate' disappears....at least until the French open...

If Scots do keep going on about it I'll start demanding that the English claim their 'British' world champions (currently Button, Haye, Ennis, 'Power' Taylor, Idowu etc) as English and not British and not share our champions with the rest of the UK

[Bella Caledonia]

All he did was say he didnt like being referred to as 'English' (which he isn't).

Chris S's comments are hilarious - the sort of casual stereotpying that's endemic in English culture.

Will writes:
"But, like many in their target audience, most media outlets have struggled to warm to a man who appears to possess few of the qualities that elevate an able sportsman to a popular icon." What like David Beckhams intelligence? Wayne Rooneys suave charm? Jensons Buttons charisma?

[Chris S.]

Bella - the irony of your "sort of casual stereotpying that's endemic in English culture" stereotyping may be lost on only you, but there's no denying Murray said he would "support anyone but England" during the 2006 World Cup. I'm afraid it's on the record. I suspect it was a little throwaway but in the run up to Wimbledon, it was certainly stupid and pretty charmless. As for your other points, bad selection - Button, Beckham and Rooney have all had a famously tough time in the UK press for a variety of reasons I'm sure the media blog wouldn't let me mention here.

[Roy]

You can call him anything you want as long as it's not "Aussie Andy"