So Andy Murray was beaten by one of the greatest Tennis players, no sorry, one of the greatest sportsmen in history - what of it? That is not the issue here though really. The issue is whether is was the Brit Murray that was beaten or the Scot Murray that lost. Time and again this argument about the negativity of the Scottish psyche comes to the fore and sadly I noticed Facebook was littered with such discussion after the final yesterday. The thing that bears the bug for me above all is that such accusations (although hurtful) are probably true. As much as I tried to fight it throughout yesterday's match, I was unable to fend off the demon that haunted the final with the air that Murray just wasn't going to win. Even with the first set under his belt and a break in the second I just knew. I'm Scottish after all, but should that matter?
I've watched about 4 or 5 hours of tennis a day over the last couple of weeks so I knew what the final was all about. In fact I've been a huge fan of tennis for as long as I can remember and yesterday just felt like it was the moment when something big was going to happen. It was being dubbed as Murray's best chance to win Wimbledon, the like of which he would be lucky to see again. One Sunday paper that I read even stated that is was our man's destiny to lift the most coveted of tennis titles - that's the last time I read that paper. It is here that I think the Scottish psyche breaks down. We don't expect much of ourselves. As a nation we are probably one of the most self-deprecatory in the world and, in comparison to countries such as America, we are fairly dour in that respect. What I don't understand then is why we say stuff like 'destiny' and 'only chance' when it comes to the big days. What Murray didn't need yesterday was more pressure than he was putting on himself already. I fear that, despite the fact he is one of the best Scottish sports stars we've produced, he will (sadly) forever suffer from being Scottish - not to mention Henman-itis.
Sorry. I almost came off the road there because the point that I'm trying to make is not one about his ability or the attitude towards him depending on what side of the border you happen to live on. No, this is a post that firmly finds its roots in Scotland and one that should not take on such a conversation as I mention above. To be Scottish is to be something unique in my opinion. We are a nation like no other in the world in our mindset and approach to things. As a nation, Scotland is proud and patriotic (often in abundance) but it suffers from a distinct lack of confidence that courses through each and every one of us. This is a topic of a book that is on my summer reading list called 'The Scots' Crisis of Confidence' by Carol Craig in which she discusses the Scottish mentality through the ages in an attempt to find out why Scottish people are as they are. As much as I look forward to reading that book though, I worry that the constant dialogue on this topic (yes, being fueled by yours truly at the moment) is the reason why we can never shake it off.
It's not a bad thing in my opinion though. The result is that when we do well, we are generally modest about it. It also makes us better losers than a lot of countries in the world. I'll take a risk in suggesting that if the Scottish football team get themselves into the finals of a tournament (a minor miracle if it happens in my lifetime I hasten to add) that the expectation will be low and therefore if we get a good battering by another country then we'll laugh it off and have a pint like we usually do.
Scottish people are in general brilliant though and Andy Murray was the epitome of that at the weekend and, in fact, throughout the whole two weeks of the championships. His exterior might not always be the most inspiring but his drive, his play and that speech at the end said everything that needed to be said and in the right manner. When he cried, the whole of Scotland chocked with pride and empathy. Andy Murray didn't lose against Federer because he's Scottish. He didn't think at one set up 'oh crap, I'm not meant to feel like I can win this, I better bottle it soon otherwise they'll test my blood'. He was beaten by arguably the best tennis player in history and there is no shame in that. His time will come and, when it does, he'll probably celebrate like you have never seen anyone celebrate before - draped in a Saltire of course.
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Martin
