Andy Murray rules out any possibility of playing in Saudi Arabia

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.
🌱🤩 To the joy of tennis fans everywhere, Serena Williams, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka will all be turning out at #Wimbledon 2022.
👉 https://t.co/K2Bg0KzkIV pic.twitter.com/ywkYQ6qXNm
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 22, 2022
“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.
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s nightmare run continues: How big a setback is the Cincy defeat ahead of the US Open?
Naomi Osaka’s latest defeat a big blow ahead of the US Open.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal explains how he deals with pressure after Carlos Alcaraz’s frank admission
Rafael Nadal says it is about “playing freely” and “just enjoying every match”.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu resumes trial with Dmitry Tursunov: ‘We need to see how we compliment each other’
Emma Raducanu and Dmitry Tursunov working together again in Cincinnati.
-
ATP Tour
Cincinnati schedule and streaming details: When are Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz, Nick Kyrgios playing?
A couple of big guns open their Western & Southern Open accounts on Tuesday.
-
US Open
Daniil Medvedev ‘would love to see’ Novak Djokovic play at US Open to reignite his rivalry with Rafael Nadal
Daniil Medvedev wants to see Novak Djokovic play at the US Open.
-
Tennis News
Iga Swiatek hoping to catch Serena Williams’ eye and say ‘hi’, but admits she is ‘too shy’ to introduce herself
Will Iga Swiatek get to say “hi” to Serena Williams before the tennis icon retires?
-
WTA Tour
Serena Williams vs Emma Raducanu: What time is the big match and where to watch it…
A quick lowdown on the mouthwatering Serena Williams vs Emma Raducanu clash.
-
WTA Tour
Wimbledon champ Elena Rybakina shakes off slow start for Cincy win, but Leylah Fernandez exits
Elena Rybakina gets out of early trouble to advance in Cincy.
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz admits he ‘couldn’t handle the pressure’ in Montreal, but eyes improvement in Cincy
Carlos Alcaraz determined to step up after Montreal disappointment.
-
ATP Tour
Gutsy Andy Murray hoping for a day off before battle of the Brits
Andy Murray needs a day off before his battle of the Brits showdown with Cameron Norrie.