Murray calls for more unity in tennis: “Everyone’s looking out for their best interests and that’s not always the best thing for the sport”

Ahead of his opening match in Dubai, Andy Murray gave his views on the future of tennis and the ATP calendar, which he feels is too packed

Andy Murray at the Davis Cup (News Images/Panoramic)

Jérémy Baudu

February 25, 2024

Andy Murray will be looking for his second win of the season next week in Dubai. The Briton unlocked his account in Doha this week against Alexander Muller, before bowing out to 18-year-old phenom Jakob Mensik in the longest duel in the tournament’s history.

The three-time Grand Slam winner took time out to speak to The National, a daily newspaper published in Abu Dhabi, before the start of the Dubai tournament, where he withdrew last year. In particular, he gave his opinion on the rumours surrounding the future of tennis and the impact of Saudi Arabia.

“Tennis is in a difficult spot just now because I don’t think anyone knows exactly what’s next,” he said. “I know there’s issues between Tennis Australia and the ATP; the Grand Slams and the ATP and the WTA.

“There’s obviously been discussions with Saudi Arabia and the PIF; who’s going to work with them and what’s that going to look like? Will that be a tournament that happens there? Will it be multiple tournaments? Will there be like this ‘premier super tour’ that the Slams are creating with Saudi Arabia? I don’t know. I don’t know what it’s going to look like.

“Everyone’s looking out for their best interests and that’s not always the best thing for the sport. Everyone is sort of fighting a bit with each other and it would be much easier if everyone actually worked together for the common good. And I don’t know. That’s what I hope will happen; I’d say it’s unlikely.”

An exhibition tournament has already been scheduled in Saudi Arabia for October. Called the “Six Kings Slam”, it will bring together Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune. There will be bonuses of up to $1.5 million for each participant and a total of $6 million for the winner.