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“He Sure Deserves One”: French Open Director Hints at Possible Wildcard for Andy Murray
Andy Murray has slipped down the rankings because of his poor results and frequent injury breaks. A consequence of the dwindling ranking is that he will not get a direct entry into the main draw of a Grand Slam. His ranking of 123 ensures his participation in the qualifying draw. Now at the upcoming French Open 2021, his participation is gloomy but a wildcard might be on the horizon for the three-time Grand Slam champion.
French Open tournament director, Guy Forget, recently hinted at awarding Murray the wildcard for the main draw of the 2021 edition of Roland Garros.
“I know Andy Murray is practicing. I’m gonna talk to him or his agent. We’ll see who request for a wild-card,” he said.
When will the wild card decision regarding Andy Murray be taken?
If the talks go right, Murray might receive a wildcard for the second year in a row. Last year he was awarded the wildcard but had a disappointing first-round loss against Stan Wawrinka. According to Forget, Murray ‘deserves’ a wildcard and the decision will be taken by next week.
“He sure deserves one. I hope he feels well. We have to take decision as a team. Decision next week.”
Murray’s decision to accept the wildcard last year was a controversial one. His biggest critic was former World No.1 Mats Wilander, who accused Murray of robbing opportunities from youngsters. Moreover, Murray’s poor performance in the French Open 2020 further added fuel to the debate.
Murray had also received a wildcard at this year’s Australian Open. But a late COVID-19 positive test ruled him out for weeks. Later, Andy Murray played a few events but didn’t produce anything special. He was also about to play Miami Open, but another late groin injury kept him out.
Returning from injury, Murray practiced with the likes of Novak Djokovic and Diego Schwartzman in Rome. While Schwartzman and Djokovic played in the Italian Open, Murray was just preparing for the clay season. The former World No.1 was later seen playing doubles alongside countrymen, Liam Broady in the Italian Open. The pair were ousted in the second round. It is reported Murray will play a few other tournaments before playing French Open 2021.
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