Shortly after his straight sets dismissal of David Ferrer in his first match at the ATP World Tour Finals, Andy Murray has spoken about the increasing uncertainty regarding security at the upcoming Davis Cup final.
Murray will lead the British team in their bid to win their first Davis Cup title since 1978. In the final they will play Belgium in their home country, a place which has seen increasing anti-terror operations. Following the multiple terror attacks in Paris on November 13th, Belgium has become central in the investigation with a series of anti-terror raids across the country. The New York Times has reported that the suspected mastermind behind the attacks was Abdelhamid Abaaoud, a Belgian national who fought in Syria for the Islamic State.
The recent developments in Paris and Belgium, has sparked concerns about the security situation for the upcoming Davis Cup finals in Ghent, will take place in less than two weeks time. Murray spoke about the recent security issue in Europe as he vows to continue playing as normal.
“I do think the best thing we can do is live our normal lives, not change too much, because then the terrorists is winning”. The world No.2 said.
“I don’t want to live my life in fear every time I step onto the tennis court”.
The Davis Cup isn’t the only tennis tournament, which has seen an increase in security. On Sunday the organizers of the ATP World Tour finals announced stricter security measures, including an increase in police and the ban of all food and drink being brought into the venue.
Murray also spoke about the potential players that could be selected for the British Davis Cup team by captain Leon Smith. Smith has a tough task after two Brits, Dan Evans and Kyle Edmund, won Challenger titles over the weekend. There is also James Ward, who has been an instrumental player for the British Davis Cup team in recent time. Despite the tricky task for his captain, Murray remains level headed about who may potentially join him.
“Obviously it’s a good path to be in. I think it’s the same kind of position as the Belgians really. They have three guys capable of playing the second singles, as well, with Darcis and Coppejans probably being the best clay court players, but Bemelmans with a slightly different game style”. Murray said.
The British team could also have another player to pick from, Aljaz Bedene. Bedene is a former Slovenian player who switched his nationality to British earlier this year. According to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Bedene is ineligible to play for Great Britain because he played for Slovenia. The British No.2, who is currently ranked 45th in the world, is arguing that the new rule came into effect after he submitted his paperwork to play for Great Britain. He will find out tomorrow if his appeal has been successful. Speaking about Bedene’s appeal to the ITF, Murray is critical of the speed of the process.
“My view is that the process has taken such a long time that it is awkward timing now”. Murray said in reference to the upcoming Davis Cup final.
“It isn’t his (Bedene) fault that it’s taken such a long time”. Murray added.
Murray will have the chance this week of securing his place as world No.2 at the end of the year for the first time in his career. The 28-year-old honestly said that it isn’t a goal for him, however, he would be ‘delighted’ if he did.
