Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Andy Murray criticises decision to remove ranking points from Wimbledon after easy Surbiton win

Written by 
Published in Tennis
Monday, 30 May 2022 14:09

Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray says the ATP and WTA have not made "a great move" by taking away the tournament's ranking points this year.

The ATP and WTA made the decision after Russian and Belarusian players were banned from the event because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking after he thrashed Jurij Rodionov 6-2 6-1 in the first round of the Surbiton Trophy grass-court event on Monday, the British former world number one said: "They've taken points away - everyone's still showing up."

Former women's world number one Naomi Osaka suggested she might miss Wimbledon this year over the decision to remove ranking points but hers is a lone voice thus far.

"My belief is Wimbledon will go ahead and have an extremely strong player field," added Murray, who won the men's singles at SW19 in 2013 and 2016.

"Removing the points, if it doesn't stop players from playing then I don't think it's a great move from the ATP. A lot of the players are frustrated and didn't want that to happen."

Men's world number two Daniil Medvedev, from Russia, and women's world number seven Aryna Sabalenka are among the players affected by the ban.

"I don't believe there's anyone at the ATP that supports what's happening in Ukraine," Murray said.

"I think they're trying to protect the players the best they can and that's the decision that they've taken. Some players are fine with the decision but I think the majority of them were not.

"I spoke to some of the Russian players in Madrid and I feel for those players as well. I like them and I'm friends with them and I don't believe they're in favour of what's happening [in Ukraine] either.

"But I appreciate that it's not that easy for them to talk about it publicly. It's a difficult one."

Murray starts strongly in Surbiton

Having skipped the French Open to prioritise grass-court preparation, Murray took just 57 minutes to record a routine straight-set win over Austria's Rodionov, breaking serve twice in each set to comfortably beat the world number 125.

The Scot had not played since withdrawing from a third-round match with Novak Djokovic because of illness at the Madrid Open at the start of May.

But despite a rain delay pushing his match back to late afternoon, Murray, currently ranked 67th in the world, had little trouble despatching Rodionov.

With tournaments in Stuttgart and at Queen's Club to come in June, a string of wins could potentially push Murray into the Wimbledon seeding picture.

"I don't know how many matches I would need to win exactly, but if I had a good run at Queen's or next week that would give me a good chance," he said.

The all-British first-round encounter between Liam Broady and Jay Clarke has been pushed back to Tuesday after further rain caused play to be suspended for the day shortly after the end of Murray's match.

Fellow Briton Jack Draper also features in the men's draw while Heather Watson, Harriet Dart and Katie Boulter are among those competing in the women's event.

Read 311 times

Soccer

Arsenal, Palace draw delays Liverpool title party

Arsenal, Palace draw delays Liverpool title party

Jean-Philippe Mateta's wonder goal helped Crystal Palace earn a draw at Arsenal.BEN STANSALL/AFP via...

Miami trades forward Robert Taylor to Austin FC

Miami trades forward Robert Taylor to Austin FC

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsInter Miami CF has traded forward Robert Taylor to Austin FC for $7...

Madrid face Copa crisis as Camavinga, Alaba hurt

Madrid face Copa crisis as Camavinga, Alaba hurt

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCarlo Ancelotti admitted that it will be "difficult" for David Alab...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Chippy series to Rockets' advantage, Udoka says

Chippy series to Rockets' advantage, Udoka says

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsHOUSTON -- The Houston Rockets' 109-94 victory over the Golden Stat...

Mitchell seizes moment, carries Cavs to 2-0 lead

Mitchell seizes moment, carries Cavs to 2-0 lead

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- A portion of the Cleveland Cavaliers' success this sea...

Baseball

Crow-Armstrong stays hot vs. hometown Dodgers

Crow-Armstrong stays hot vs. hometown Dodgers

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCHICAGO -- Most players are happy to be done facing the Los Angeles...

Twins say Oliva, Hrbek recovering from strokes

Twins say Oliva, Hrbek recovering from strokes

EmailPrintMINNEAPOLIS -- Two Minnesota Twins greats are recovering from strokes suffered days apart,...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated