‘I don’t support the ban’ – Andy Murray joins player wave of Wimbledon opposition

Andy Murray has become the latest player, and third among the ‘Big Four’, to publicly disagree with the decision by Wimbledon to ban Russian and Belarusian players from the 2022 event. 

He joins world number one Novak Djokovic and 21-time Slam winner Rafael Nadal in voicing their objection the move.

The comments from Murray come ahead of a planned meeting between the ATP and WTA tours at the Madrid Open to determine their actions in response to the ban.

The Brit told reporters in the Spanish capital: “I’m not supportive of players getting banned.

“The guidance from the government was not helpful.

“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’m not sure how comfortable I would feel if something happened to one of the players or their families [as a result of signing the form].”

That concern has been one cited by a number of those opposing the ban.

However, Ukrainian world number 60 Kostyuk sees it as a non-issue,  particularly for top players.

Murray added that while he does not support the banh, he admits the situation is complex.

He said: “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.

“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.”

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