‘Diplomatic’ Andy Murray plays carefully with words while addressing Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in tennis

Andy Murray to face Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the second round of the Miami Open.

‘Diplomatic’ Andy Murray plays carefully with words while addressing Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in tennis

Andy Murray (Via: Imago)

Andy Murray has admitted that he doesn’t know enough details about the proposed Saudi bid for an ATP-WTA merger. This is coming after rumors of a new Premium Tour offer by the Middle East country that is believed to be beneficial to the sport.

A few weeks ago, it was reported that the ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi had a closed-door meeting with other ATP and WTA in which there was a proposed $2 billion take-it-or-leave-it deal by the Saudi PIF. Despite the full details of the offer not being revealed, it was stated that it had an expiring 90-day period.

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In an interview with Sky Sports, the former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray was asked about his views on the reported Saudi bid. The Briton said that it will be beneficial for the sport but does not know the full details to give a good opinion about it.

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That’s a good question. It depends on what the alternative is, you know because there’s obviously been a lot of talk about the Grand Slams and this Premium Tour. There’s the possible ATP/WTA sort of merger, which I think is a positive thing. I think that should happen, so that would be beneficial.
Murray said

While Murray thinks the recent developments are positive, he admitted of being oblivious of the details. He, too, is seemingly a spectator like most.

I actually genuinely don’t know all of the details of what the Grand Slams are proposing and also what the Saudi offer is. But we’ll see what happens in the coming weeks.
Murray added

Saudi Arabia’s influence in tennis seems to be growing every day. With high demand for more sponsors in the sport and players being paid enough to live with, the PIF has the funds to balance these problems.

Andy Murray beats Matteo Berrettini to seal place in the second round in Miami

On the court side affairs, Andy Murray has sealed his place in the second round of the Miami Open after beating Italian Matteo Berrettini in a 2-hour, 49-minute match. The three-time tournament winner earned his 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory that will see him face Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the next round.

Andy Murray, of Britain, reacts to defeating David Goffin, of Belgium, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament
Andy Murray (Via Imago)

Despite being 36, the Briton has improved his performance since earning his first win in Dubai. However, it was his opponent Berrettini who looked to be troubled during the game, as he kept resting his racket on the court to hold himself up. He was checked by the medical team before he continued the match.

Both players had earlier struggled this season but are now experiencing a contrasting result. Murray, who waited till February for his first win now has four this season, while Berrettini only reached the final of the Phoenix Challenger since the 2023 US Open.

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