ANDY MURRAY will donate his entire Wimbledon winnings to Ukrainian war victims.
The former world No.1 is eyeing a third title at SW19 and tennis chiefs are offering £2milllion for the 2022 men’s and women’s champions.
Andy Murray arrives at Wimbledon to train ahead of this year’s competition
And whatever prize money the Scot, 35, earns this next fortnight, he will hand it all over to the UNICEF charity to provide medical equipment and supplies for war-weary kids.
Murray, a father of four, felt compelled to act after seeing horrific images on TV and in newspapers of the atrocities inflicted by Russian troops on Ukraine since late February.
He said: “There are families and children trying to leave the country. There are also families whose homes are getting destroyed.
“For me, education was quite an important thing to try and help kids who are in tough situations.
READ MORE IN TENNIS
“What the money is going towards is changing on a weekly basis almost. I felt it was a good thing to do.
“It gives me a little bit of extra motivation to try and perform well and win matches. That’s why I decided to do it.”
Murray, who was defeated in the third round last year, will face Australian James Duckworth in the first round on Monday.
There are no Russians or Belarussians appearing at Wimbledon this year as they are banned due to Vladimir Putin’s murderous invasion of Ukraine.
Murray said: “I know at times the media get a rough ride from the public.
“But in this instance, the reporting and everything that I’d seen, it was incredible the job that they were doing.
“It makes you feel like you want to do something or do something to help.
Read More on SE
“And that felt like the best thing that I could do. So that was why I did it.”
The All England Club and LTA are donating £250,000 to the refugee response efforts through the Tennis Plays for Peace initiative and the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.
Ukrainian refugees who have settled in the boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth have been invited to attend the grounds on Sunday July 3.
There will be permanent play on the Middle Sunday for the first time as they fall in line with the other three Slams.
The Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK will be present in the Royal Box on the opening day’s play.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/tennis/emma-radacanu-plans-to-study-at-cambridge-after-being-offered-a-place-at-prestigious-university/
