“I’m not going to be going nuts,” Andy Murray optimistic about inclusion of Russians and Belarusians at Wimbledon

Murray expects Wimbledon organizers to exempt Russians and Belarusians from their ban following the Russian invasion of Ukraine

“I’m not going to be going nuts,” Andy Murray optimistic about inclusion of Russians and Belarusians at Wimbledon

Former World No.1 Andy Murray recently shared his views on the ban on Russians and Belarusians from Wimbledon. Last year, they were banned from the Wimbledon Championships after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In response to Russia’s ‘special military operation’, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) prohibited players from the two nations from participating in the major.

Despite being against the invasion, Murray told BBC Sport that he did not support last year’s ban. The Brit is still torn over the matter as a decision on this year’s championships is anticipated soon. Murray will be competing in the tournament following his impressive stint at the Australian Open and Doha Open.

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The AELTC claimed that excluding players from the two nations was the only practical course of action in light of the British government’s directives. However, the decision resulted in Wimbledon losing ranking points in the ATP and WTA. Murray expressed his confusion saying, “…I do feel for the players who weren’t able to play last year, but I also understand…why it’s really hard for Wimbledon to make a call on it as well.”

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Murray further explained his neutral stance on the matter. He said that he will not go “nuts” if the players from Russia and Belarus are allowed to compete. On the other hand, if Wimbledon holds on to its decision, the three-time Grand Slam champion will respect the ban. Murray even won an award in recognition of his donation of over $630,000 of his prize money in 2022.

Regardless, Murray remains conflicted on the matter. He also claimed that the Russian players did not support the country’s invasion of Ukraine after conversing with them. Players like Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk have expressed their staunch disapproval of players from both countries. Currently, all Russian and Belarusian competitors are playing under a neutral flag.

Also read: WATCH: Andy Murray and Gael Monfils share heartwarming reunion at 2023 Indian Wells practice

Andy Murray to face Tomas Etcheverry at Indian Wells

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On Thursday, Andy Murray will begin his run at Indian Wells by taking on Argentine Tomas Etcheverry. Recently, Murray fell to Daniil Medvedev in the Qatar Open final. Murray was competing in the final for the first time in four years. Etcheverry, ranked 61, lost to Nicolas Jarry in three sets in the Chile Open final last week. The two have never met each other, hence, their head-to-head stands at 0-0.

Previously, Murray has only reached the quarter-finals in the desert. Meanwhile, Etcheverry will make his debut at the unpredictable tournament. If Murray wins the match, he would then play Pablo Carreno Busta, the 15th seed, in the second round. Moreover, he might also play Dan Evans or Jack Draper in the third round.

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