Just announced on Radio2 that Andy has a wild card for the Australisn Open. 

I like the guy, but this is a bad move from all involved

Then let him get in off that, not taking an opportunity from a perhaps younger and in better shape player who might need it, Andy accepted more than enough of them when he was young, from at least two federations he did not associate with, and is now taking the same opportunities he was afforded away from them, not a good move

junior wrote:

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Then let him get in off that, not taking an opportunity from a perhaps younger and in better shape player who might need it, Andy accepted more than enough of them when he was young, from at least two federations he did not associate with, and is now taking the same opportunities he was afforded away from them, not a good move

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It seems to me your beef should be more with the Australian Open. 

Personally, I've always been very much in favour of wildcards and believe they should be used, primarily, to promote the event (and then - possibly - to promote the sport in the longer term). 

I don't think wildcards are just to give the favoured youngsters a chance

Nothing to do with Andy, but I like giving them to some older players (especially those who have a big crowd following) because that is exactly what the crowd want - Kim Clijsters, Marco Baghdatis, Lleyton Hewitt, Andy Murray - all examples who immediately spring to mind as top players and crowd favourites who've been given wildcards at other country's Grand Slams. Sure there are plenty more. And if it makes the crowd happy, then good, because they're paying the price of the tickets. 

-- Edited by Coup Droit on Monday 28th of December 2020 09:39:38 AM

I think it is perfectly fine for Andy to get slam wildcards at this stage. His injuries have hampered him immensely and evidence is that he still plays currently at easily top 100 level if not much higher. For me a wild card should have a fighting chance of getting through a round and Andy has that. His successes are recent enough with 4 slams to make him a decent champions call and ahead of most lower ranked up and comers. Maybe after this year, Id take a different view but for 2021 I believe he deserves wild cards into the 4 slams. After that , Id say if hes not back in as a DA Id be less supportive, outside of Wimbledon where I think he deserves one as long as he keeps playing singles. I suspect however that he has 2 more years left max in singles before perhaps giving doubles a go for a season or two, if Jamie is still playing in 2 years time.

indiana wrote:

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I guess the Murrays can sign off in 2024 after winning the Wimbledon and Paris Olympics doubles titles

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 That would be a nice thought !