Andy Murray has been playfully outed as a knighthood boaster by his golfing buddy, former England cricket star Kevin Pietersen. The three-time Grand Slam champion, who was knighted in 2019 for services to tennis and charity, admitted he likes to be addressed as 'Sir' when on the golf course.
Appearing on Pietersen's YouTube show The Switch, Murray was asked whether he preferred to be called Andy or Sir. He replied with a smile: 'For this, Andy's fine. When we're on the golf course, it's Sir.'
Pietersen Questions Murray's Honours Enthusiasm
Pietersen, who holds an MBE, pressed Murray on his attitude towards the honours system. He said: 'I'm just an MBE, it's [Sir] not on my golf app. I'm just a normal guy, I'm under the radar. You're obviously not because you like to tell everybody you're on the Honours' List. Do you like the Honours' List?'
Murray responded: 'It wasn't like a goal of mine when I was playing but it's nice recognition of your achievements in your chosen field, I guess.' The exchange highlighted the contrast between the two sportsmen's approaches to their honours.
Murray's Knighthood Ceremony and Family
Murray was named in the Queen's New Year's Honours in 2016 following his second Wimbledon triumph and second Olympic gold, but did not receive the honour until May 2019. Upon receiving his knighthood from the then Prince of Wales, he said he was 'very proud' and described it as 'a nice day to spend with my family.' He added that he would have liked to bring his young children, Sophia Olivia and Edie, then aged three and 18 months, but felt they were too young. He said: 'I'll show them the medal when I get home.'
Coaching Jack Draper Ahead of Wimbledon 2026
Murray, now retired from professional tennis, is coaching rising British star Jack Draper. Draper is currently on the comeback trail after injury. On Monday, Murray watched from a court-side box as Draper defeated American Marcos Giron 6-4 7-6 (5) in the first round of the Lexus Eastbourne Open.
Speaking after the match, Draper said of Murray: 'I haven't called him Sir yet – that's not going to happen! Andy, truthfully, is one of my biggest inspirations. When I was younger, I remember him playing all the big events and being there to watch him. As I came on to the tour, we spent some time together and I think we have a great relationship off the court but also what he brings to me in terms of the tennis as well.'
