‘No one is deserving’ – Andy Murray defends Madrid Open wildcard following social media criticism
In the wake of the Madrid Open announcing its wildcards for the tournament in May, Andy Murray believes that no player is innately more deserving of such an invitation over another.
The former world number one holds that view, regardless of nationality, at least according to his comments on Twitter.
The news comes after a number of Spanish pros expressed their disappointment at the lack of Spanish talent represented among the wildcards for the 2022 Madrid Open.
Among them are former ATP number seven Fernando Verdasco and WTA number three Paula Badosa.
Responding to a user, Murray tweeted: “We agree that nobody is deserving of a wild card.
“We just disagree on the wild cards being used specifically for young local talent.
“Lots of people hold that view, I just don’t think that’s fair on all the players out there who don’t come from countries that host tour level events.”
We agree that nobody is deserving of a wild card. We just disagree on the wild cards being used specifically for young local talent. Lots of people hold that view I just don’t think that’s fair on all the players out there who don’t come from countries that host tour level events
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) April 21, 2022
Murray had initially planned to miss the clay season entirely, choosing instead to train with coach Ivan Lendl in the US in preparation of the grass swing.
However, that changed when Murray announced he would accept a wildcard into the Madrid Open to make his first appearance there since 2017.
When another user replied to Verdasco’s statement post tagging Murray and accusing him of being above playing qualifying, the Brit responded on the contrary.
He said: “[I’m] more than happy to play qualifying.
“[I] will most likely play qualifying in Rome (the week after Madrid).”
He then posed the question of whether tennis fans actually expect him to turn down a wildcard if one is offered to him.
More than happy to play qualifying. Will most likely play qualies in Rome. If a tournament invites me to come and play in the main draw are you suggesting I should turn it down and play quailes?
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) April 20, 2022
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