Andy Murray Takes Step Back In Saudi Arabia Comments

Sunday, 02 July 2023 at 10:00

byKadir Macar

Andy Murray said that he would not play in Saudi Arabia in the past but the Brit seems to have changed his opinion a bit.

One of the main news in tennis right now is the ATP holding talks with Saudi Arabia about the latter's possible investment into the sport. The news split the community as there are those who are welcoming of the financial boost that it entails while many others are appalled because of the country's human rights record.

Several players were asked about it and most of them seem okay with playing there. Novak Djokovic wants tennis to keep its integrity and tradition while Nick Kyrgios simply wants to get paid what he deserves. Andy Murray famously said that he would not play in the country but he walked back those comments a bit at Wimbledon.

In the past when we were asked to go and play there, we were asked to go and play exhibition tournaments. If they become, like, major tournaments on the tour, it becomes a slightly different question.

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It's a difficult one, really, based on how the tour and the rankings and everything work, how important they are to get into other events and stuff. When you start missing them, you obviously get penalized for that.

The Brit is a self-described feminist and has conflicting feelings about playing in a country that doesn't really have the same standards for women's rights as his own. WTA CEO Steve Simon dismissed suggestions that the WTA is in talks with Saudi Arabia while confirming that they were approached.

It's a complicated situation for the Tour which promotes inclusivity, something non-existent in the country. Murray ultimately said that he needs to think about it some more while recognizing that money talks, in sports and in all things.