Murray: Not surprised

Andy Murray says ‘everyone knows’ that match-fixing takes place on the professional tennis circuit.

Several players have revealed recently that they have been offered money to throw matches as the sport’s governing body investigates irregular betting activity.

And the British number one, who moved back up to 18th in the world by reaching the final in Metz at the weekend, says he is not surprised at the latest developments.

The 20-year-old fears the temptation to cheat is too great for players who struggle to make a living in the professional game.

“It doesn’t really surprise me,” he told Radio Five Live. “Some guys have to come to tournaments like this every single week and the first-round loser’s cheque is sort of €2,500 and they have got to pay for their air fares and, you know, it’s only a 10 or 12-year career so you have to make all your money while you’re still playing.”

Difficult to prove

Murray feels the nature of the sport makes it difficult to prove when someone is trying to engineer an outcome.

“It’s not really acceptable, it’s difficult to prove if someone has tanked a match or not tried because they can try their best until the last couple of games of each set and then make some mistakes, a couple of double faults, and that’s it,” he added.

“It’s pretty disappointing for all the players but everyone knows it goes on.”

The ATP have a zero tolerance policy towards players who become involved in gambling.

They are investigating betting patterns concerning a match in Poland between Nikolay Davydenko and Martin Vassallo Arguello.

The Russian’s price drifted out despite him winning the first set and he later pulled out of the match due to injury. Davydenko denies any wrongdoing.

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Tags: Murray, lifts, fixing

Posted on February 23rd, 2007 by Klaus Roe
Filed under: Tennis, Fun and Games