Andy Murray pleads with Wimbledon to stop scheduling his matches for early evenings as he wants to see his children before bedtime… before admitting he sympathises with Just Stop Oil protestors
Andy Murray has pleaded with Wimbledon to stop scheduling him in the early evening as he would like to get back home and see his children before bedtime.
He also gave a purer tennis reason for trying to get his matches done during the afternoon, in that the late slot often involves disruption with the roof having to be closed.
Usually I get given the late shift so hopefully this year they will put me on a little bit earlier,’ he said.
All the late matches end up being played under the roof. I would like to play slightly earlier in the day if at all possible so I get to see the kids in the evening.’
The BBC will want him on the last match to maximise primetime viewing, and the tournament has become a day-night affair, with long breaks after matches on show courts to make the programme longer.
Murray, 36, has often had to finish matches under the roof and lights, then try to sleep with adrenaline still coursing through him.
The two-time champion also fears a different type of disruption, believing that eco-protesters may hit Wimbledon next.
While he sympathises with their cause, he does not approve of their methods.
Security is heightened at Wimbledon but Just Stop Oil have found their way through such measures at other events.
‘I would imagine something would happen here. I agree with the cause — just not always how they go about expressing it,’ said Murray, who will face compatriot Ryan Peniston in the first round on Monday.
