Boris Becker has chimed in on social media after Andy Murray called for the ATP Tour to organise a Masters 1000 series in South America. Murray believes passionate fans on the continent are deserving of their own dedicated tennis swing after watching Cameron Norrie’s run to the Rio Open semi-finals.
Norrie’s positive outing in Brazil included a win over home favourite Thiago Seyboth Wild, before the Brit was eventually beaten in straight sets by Argentina’s Mariano Navone.
With four of the men’s top 30 players in the world hailing from South America, and a solid fanbase to cheer them on, Murray feels that the ATP Tour could be doing more to bring tennis to their supporters.
“Unpopular opinion,” he wrote on X. “South America should have its own dedicated swing on the tennis tour with its own masters series. The way the fans support the tournaments there is incredible. Amazing atmospheres and [tennis] is clearly part of their sporting culture. Vamos ATP Tour!”
Six-time Grand Slam champion Becker jumped in to agree with Murray, but questioned why his take would not go down well. “Why unpopular?!?” he posted on X. “You’re absolutely right about your opinion Andy! Tennis should go to countries/continents where tennis is booming…”
It remains to be seen whether Murray will still be competing when, or if, tennis chiefs decide to place more emphasis on events in South America. The 36-year-old recently ended his losing streak with a win over Alexandre Muller at the Qatar Open.
Despite Murray’s recent poor form sparking questions over whether he should retire, the Brit made it clear earlier this month that he intends to carry on. “I can do whatever I want,” he said.
“I don’t have to do what fans, journalists or anyone is telling me to do. Qualifying for all these tournaments on my right, on my ranking and all the matches that I’ve won, I want to keep playing just now, so I’m not going to stop.”
