Martina Navratilova has a message for critics slagging Andy Murray for accepting wild cards: You're clueless.
Navratilova was asked the Murray wild card controversy during a conference call with the media to promote Tennis Channel's Miami Open coverage. For the first time in its almost 18-year history, Tennis Channel will be the exclusive home of the Miami Open. The network’s telecast will take viewers from first ball March 23 to championship point April 4. Navratilova, a long-time TC analyst, will be broadcasting on-site in Miami.
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Following wild card Murray's straight-sets loss to Stan Wawrinka at the 2020 Roland Garros some skeptics, including Hall of Famer Mats Wilander, suggested Murray is "selfish" for taking wild cards when he's not the same player he once was due to hip surgery.
The two-time Olympic gold-medal champion has received a wild card into this week's Miami Open.
Navratilova says people criticizing Murray need a reality check because the former world No. 1 has paid his dues to the sport and has earned the right to take as many wild cards as he wants.
"Really? You have a problem with Andy Murray playing? Absolutely he has earned it," Navratilova said. "Don't tell me there's a wild card you would have given him is a better player than Andy Murray. He's earned it. He loves it. He's giving back to the game as much as he's trying to give as much as he's gotten out of it. He clearly loves it. Why not? Where is the harm?"
The Big 3 have all withdrawn from Miami. Together, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have combined to capture 10 of the last 15 Miami Open championships. Murray, John Isner, Andy Roddick and 2008 champ Nikolay Davydenko are the only men not named Djokovic or Federer who have lifted the Miami Open title trophy in the last 15 years.
Navratilova, who was criticized by some for accepting wild cards during her late-career comeback, said players should earn wild cards and asserts Murray has clearly earned his.
"When it comes to making room for the new ones, they need to make room for themselves. Earn your way there," Navratilova said. "He's earned his way. He's paid the price, paid the dues.
"I think on the WTA Tour, the major winners get an automatic wild card if they wanted it. Men's tour doesn't have that rule. Still just earn your way. You got plenty of time. Andy, he's had plenty of time and Andy has put in the dues."
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