Snooker’s Murphy Urges O’Sullivan to Emulate Tennis Greats
Shaun Murphy has never been shy when it comes to sharing his thoughts on the game of snooker or its biggest personalities. Once again, the 2005 World Champion has turned the spotlight on his greatest rival and the sport’s most iconic player, Ronnie O’Sullivan. In a recent interview, Murphy urged O’Sullivan to follow in the footsteps of global tennis greats like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, calling for the seven-time world champion to embrace the role of ambassador with more grace and sportsmanship.
The comments have ignited yet another debate in the snooker community—one that straddles admiration for O’Sullivan’s unmatched cueing brilliance and criticism of his sometimes volatile approach to media, fans, and the governing bodies of the sport.
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A Rivalry Steeped in Respect and Friction
Murphy and O’Sullivan have shared the table countless times over the past two decades, producing unforgettable matches. While Murphy often acknowledges O’Sullivan’s artistry, he has also frequently been among the first to criticize the Rocket’s off-table remarks. O’Sullivan has, at various points, called the snooker tour “a circus,” threatened early retirement, and taken shots at the game’s administrators.
Murphy believes that while O’Sullivan’s honesty resonates with fans, it can also undermine the sport. By contrast, Federer and Djokovic, he argues, maintained both competitive intensity and ambassadorial grace, even when embroiled in controversy.
“Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are not just champions on the court; they are champions off it,” Murphy said. “They understand that their words carry weight. They use their status to grow their sport, not diminish it. Ronnie has the same potential, but too often his comments take the shine away from his extraordinary talent.”
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The Federer and Djokovic Parallel
The comparison with Federer and Djokovic is deliberate. Both tennis icons are admired for more than their trophies. Federer is seen as the epitome of elegance, revered globally for his sportsmanship and charm. Djokovic, despite his occasional controversies, has transformed into a model professional, dedicating himself to philanthropy, player welfare, and the long-term health of tennis.
Murphy believes O’Sullivan could adopt similar values. “Snooker has never had someone with Ronnie’s global reach. The crowds he pulls in China, the TV audiences he attracts, the way people sit glued to his breaks—it’s unique. If he were to fully embrace being our Federer or Djokovic, snooker would only grow bigger.”
This sentiment resonates with many who see O’Sullivan as both snooker’s greatest gift and its biggest enigma.
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The Spark of Debate
Predictably, Murphy’s comments have divided fans. O’Sullivan’s supporters argue that his outspoken personality is part of what makes him so compelling. His willingness to challenge authority and say what others won’t has made him a cult figure. For many, sanitizing O’Sullivan would strip away the very qualities that make him the Rocket.
Others, however, side with Murphy, pointing out that O’Sullivan’s negativity can overshadow his brilliance. “When Ronnie criticizes the tour right after winning a trophy, it leaves a sour taste,” one fan wrote on social media. “We want to celebrate his genius, not his grievances.”
Former players and pundits have also weighed in. Stephen Hendry, himself a seven-time world champion, has previously defended O’Sullivan’s right to speak his mind, while others in the snooker fraternity worry about the effect such comments have on the sport’s image, particularly in growing markets.
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O’Sullivan’s Perspective
O’Sullivan himself has shown little inclination to change his ways. While he has occasionally spoken warmly about his role as a figurehead—especially when encouraging young players—he often doubles down on his criticisms of the sport’s structure and scheduling.
“I just say it how it is,” O’Sullivan once remarked. “If people don’t like it, that’s not my problem. I’ve given 30 years to this game. Nobody loves playing more than me, but I’m not going to sugar-coat things.”
This bluntness is both his greatest strength and his biggest stumbling block.
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A Complex Legacy
As Murphy’s latest remarks circulate, they underscore a central tension in O’Sullivan’s legacy: the balance between brilliance and responsibility. Few dispute that O’Sullivan is the most naturally gifted player the game has ever seen. His ability to play with both hands, his rapid scoring, and his flair under pressure have made him a global icon.
But greatness, Murphy suggests, is about more than skill. “Being the best cueist is one thing,” he said. “Being remembered as the complete sportsman, the one who carried snooker forward, is another. Ronnie still has time to decide which he wants to be.”
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Looking Ahead
Whether O’Sullivan heeds Murphy’s advice remains to be seen. At 49, the Rocket is still winning titles, still breaking records, and still thrilling audiences. His popularity ensures that every word he speaks carries weight, whether positive or critical.
For now, the debate sparked by Murphy reflects the enduring fascination with O’Sullivan’s place in snooker. He is simultaneously the sport’s greatest asset and its most unpredictable character—a paradox that ensures the conversation around him will never be dull.
As snooker pushes for wider global recognition, fans and players alike will be watching closely: will O’Sullivan embrace the ambassadorial mantle like Federer and Djokovic, or continue carving his own, uniquely rebellious path?
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