Former world number one and Wimbledon champion Andy Murray expressed his opinion on a recent ban that prevents Russian and Belarusian players from playing at the 2022 Wimbledon.
Different sporting organizations have barred Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in sporting events since the invasion of Ukraine. In tennis, this wasn't palpable, until recently, when the All England Club announced that Russian and Belarusian players won't be allowed to compete at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
Since then, many players have spoken out against the ban, including the country's most successful player in recent history. Murray did not support the ban on his fellow tennis players despite the fact that he did not have a solution to the problem.
"I'm not supportive of players getting banned. My understanding of the guidance was that Russians and Belarusians can play if they sign a declaration that they're against the war and against the Russian regime."
"I don't think there's a right answer. I have spoken to some of the Russian players. I've spoken to some of the Ukrainian players."
Another former world number one and 21-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal, also opposed the ban. The same applies to Novak Djokovic, another Big Three player, who had first-hand experience with war growing up in Serbia in the late 1990s.
Murray shared the opinion of two fellow legends, feeling that the ban was unfair to players who weren't allowed to compete in one of the most important tournaments in the world.
"I feel really bad for the players who aren't allowed to play and I get that it will seem unfair to them. But I also know some of the people who work at Wimbledon, and I know how difficult a position they were in. I feel for everyone, feel for the players that can't play, and I don't support one side or the other."