Andy Murray rules out any possibility of playing in Saudi Arabia

ATP Tour
Andy Murray talks to the media at Wimbledon

Former world No 1 Andy Murray has suggested he won’t be playing any tournaments in Saudi Arabia if they were offered to him, or added to the ATP Tour.

It comes as last week The Telegraph reported Saudi Arabia had expressed an interest in hosting a competition on the WTA Tour.

These rumours have become a reality in golf after the introduction of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series which has caused controversy with the PGA Tour as some players have opted to play in the new tournament, while others have not and pointed out human rights concerns in the Middle Eastern country.

“They put on an event in Saudi Arabia a few years ago and I was offered to play there,” the three time Grand Slam winner said.

“I know a number of the other guys on the tour were offered to play there.

“A lot of the top players turned it down, I wouldn’t go and play there.”

Rafael Nadal was meant to take on the Scot in 2019 in the country for an exhibition match but they never made it to the court as the 14-time French Open champion picked up an ankle injury.

Some big name players have played in exhibition competitions in Saudi Arabia, including world No 1 Daniil Medvedev who won the first Diriyah Tennis Cup in 2019 which had $3 million in prize money.

But Murray’s attention definitely won’t be on Saudi Arabia this week as the Wimbledon Championships start tomorrow.

He has been drawn to play James Duckworth from Australia in the first round and a familar face will be putting him at ease throughout the tournament.

This is because his former coach Ivan Lendl, who coached him to his Wimbledon titles in 2013 and 2016, has returned to his team to give him a fighting chance of winning a fourth Grand Slam title.

Andy Murray

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