Charlie Robertson, 17, makes waves at US Open Boys’ with Murray Family Mentorship

Charlie Robertson, a 17-year-old tennis star from Guthrie, near Forfar, has quickly become one of the most exciting young talents in the tennis world. Born in Dundee and raised in Forfar, Robertson has carved out a path to international recognition, culminating in a remarkable performance at the US Open Boys’ tournament. His impressive showing at the US Open Boys underscores his rapid rise and potential in the sport.

After breezing through the quarterfinals with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Flynn Thomas, Robertson’s journey at this year’s US Open Boys came to a close after a hard-fought semifinal loss to Nicolai Budkov Kjær, who defeated him 6-3, 6-3. Despite the disappointment, Charlie Robertson’s determination and talent were evident throughout the competition. Reflecting on his goals, he had said, “I want to go deep into this tournament. I see New York as a great opportunity.”

Robertson’s rise has been anything but ordinary. He now trains at the LTA’s National Academy in Stirling, where his sister Kirsty, a tennis coach, is one of his primary trainers. Growing up in a sporting family, with his sister Kirsty, 23, involved in tennis, and his brother Harry, 21, pursuing golf, Robertson’s competitive spirit was nurtured from a young age. His parents, Alison and Hamish, have been supportive pillars throughout his journey.

Charlie’s coaching journey began at the age of three under David O’Mara at Arbroath Community Centre. O’Mara, also the father of professional tennis player Jonny O’Mara, recognized Charlie’s focus and natural ability early on, qualities that have remained a constant in his career. This early foundation played a crucial role in Charlie Robertson’s impressive achievement of competing in the US Open Boys division.

In recent years, Robertson has gained significant mentorship from one of Scotland’s tennis greats, Andy Murray. With Judy Murray’s guidance and support from Andy’s conditioning coach Matt Little, Charlie has been under the wing of one of tennis’ most respected families. This support has been particularly impactful for Charlie Robertson in his US Open Boys journey. He even joined Andy Murray’s post-Wimbledon training camp in Greece this summer, a surreal experience for the young athlete, who has long admired the Murray brothers.

Robertson’s career achievements continue to grow. In 2022, he won his first International Tennis Federation title, along with two junior titles. Named Tennis Scotland’s Junior Player of the Year in April, Charlie Robertson is now ranked No. 23 in the world junior rankings. His impressive performance at the US Open Boys and steady rise signal that there is much more to come from this promising young star.

Analysis

Political: Charlie Robertson’s rise in tennis reflects the importance of sports investment in youth development across the UK, particularly in Scotland. With the support of Tennis Scotland and the LTA, young players like Robertson have been able to access top-tier coaching and facilities, which have been instrumental in shaping their careers. His performance at the US Open Boys and training at the LTA’s National Academy, along with connections to tennis figures like the Murray family, illustrates how national support structures are pivotal in helping athletes succeed on an international level. As government funding for sports remains a topic of debate, Robertson’s success underscores the positive impact of such initiatives.

Social: Charlie Robertson’s journey shows the growing prominence of tennis as a sport in the UK, especially in Scotland, where football has traditionally dominated the sporting landscape. With the likes of Andy Murray paving the way, Robertson’s achievements continue to inspire a new generation of tennis players across the country. The close relationship between Charlie and his sister Kirsty, who is also one of his coaches, highlights the social bonds that play a critical role in the personal and professional lives of athletes. Family support has been integral to Robertson’s growth, illustrating the impact of a strong support system in shaping the mindset and success of young athletes.

Racial: While Robertson’s rise does not specifically touch on racial issues, the broader context of tennis highlights the importance of diversity within the sport. Traditionally viewed as a predominantly white and upper-class sport, tennis is seeing a gradual shift towards inclusivity with the efforts of organizations and figures promoting diversity in both participation and representation. As tennis becomes more global and accessible, players like Robertson contribute to a growing pool of talent from different backgrounds, further diversifying the sport’s reach and appeal.

Gender: Robertson’s relationship with his sister Kirsty, who is both a mentor and coach, shines a light on the vital role women play in the sport, not only as players but as coaches and leaders. As tennis continues to champion equality, Kirsty’s involvement in her brother’s career is symbolic of the growing acceptance of women in coaching roles, particularly in a traditionally male-dominated area like professional sports. The Murray family has long advocated for gender equality in tennis, with Andy Murray famously supporting equal pay for women in the sport. This has created a culture that fosters respect for women’s contributions at all levels of the game, which Charlie’s career directly benefits from.

Economic: Tennis remains a sport that demands significant financial investment, and Robertson’s success is indicative of the resources and support available to young talents in the UK. From private coaching to international competitions, financial backing from institutions like Tennis Scotland and the LTA is crucial in allowing young players to compete on a global stage. Charlie Robertson’s achievements at the US Open Boys exemplify the benefits of structured financial and developmental support but also highlight the economic divide that can limit access for many talented players without adequate resources.