Elle magazine hails Andy Murray a feminist

Consider this: Per 2014 International Tennis Federation information, 336 male tennis players earned enough money to break even or better on the ATP World Tour. Meanwhile, just 253 of their female peers on the WTA Tour did the same.

This disparity is precisely what the likes of Venus Williams, Billie Jean King and others have fought to date, and continue to fight. In a phrase: Mind the pay gap.

Enter Andy Murray. The word "feminist" may be thrown around too freely, but to him it readily applies. *Elle* magazine features the Artist Sometimes Known as Muzz in a new profile. The piece includes comments on his activism, performed in word and deed, from the likes of Nicole Gibbs and more affectionately onlooking pros.

Says Gibbs, "My quote-unquote friends on the ATP tour will casually joke, like, 'You really think women should make the same?' And nobody is like, 'Hey, you're an asshole.'"

Does he feel like the sole crusader for equality between male and female players?

"Um, a little bit," Murray he tells Elle. "I certainly wouldn't be the only one, but what I just don't get is why it wouldn't be something that tennis players are proud of, like, to be the only sport [where the male and female game and earnings] are even comparable. That's positive. We still have so many issues, but it's something that tennis players should celebrate."

The story also shines a light on Murray's mum, the incomparable Judy Murray, who took to tennis instruction because of a dearth in coaches local to their area when she was raising her boys, Andy and his year-older brother Jamie, the top-flight doubles specialist.

Thus Andy Murray, who withdrew from the US Open last minute with a hip injury, still has more opportunities to make a difference. He may correct slights toward female players. His body may be somewhat infirm, but his mind and spirit seem stronger than ever.

Follow Jon on Twitter @jonscott9.