Judy Murray book to Chatto & Windus

Vintage imprint Chatto & Windus is publishing Judy Murray's memoir in summer 2017, offering a "fascinating insight into how champions are made".

Senior editor Juliet Brooke acquired UK and Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) to the book, called Knowing the Score, from Elizabeth Sheinkman at WME.

Murray's "inspirational" story, including the "unique impact" she has had on British tennis, will be co-authored by writer, journalist and sports enthusiast Alexandra Heminsley, whose own bestselling memoir, Running Like a Girl (Windmill Books) was published in 2013.

News of the book comes just as Murray's son, reigning Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, is due to be the first tennis player to bear the flag for Team GB at tomorrow’s Olympic opening ceremony in Rio (5th August).

Murray is the mother of Britain’s two tennis champions, Andy and Jamie Murray, and her support along the way - including starting a local children’s tournament so her sons could learn to compete - and training to become the first woman to pass the Lawn Tennis Association's Performance Coach Award - is documented in the book.

She also created three programmes to promote the value of sport – Set4Sport, Miss–Hits and Tennis On The Road – all of which focus on getting children active and growing tennis participation by building coaching workforces in local communities across the country. 

A spokesperson for Chatto & Windus said: "Judy Murray’s journey shows just what can be achieved with love, creativity and sheer hard work".

Murray said: "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to tell my story, with the hope that hearing my experience can offer women the confidence and encouragement they need to overcome the inevitable obstacles they confront – not just in sport, but throughout life, in general."

Brooke at Chatto & Windus said: "I’m thrilled to be publishing Judy Murray. It is not every mother who finds herself with two extraordinarily talented children and yet no resources to help them realise their potential. Her experience of graft, enthusiasm and creative make-do is very rare and very precious, and an example for anyone with a dream, be it on the sports field, in work or at home. Judy’s book will be a primer for having the courage to follow your ambitions. Chatto publishes many inspiring women from all fields of life. We’re very excited about adding Judy Murray to our pantheon."