Andy Murray ‘not supportive’ of Wimbledon ban on Russian athletes

Published

4 years ago

May 3, 2022

Tennis star Andy Murray is the latest to condemn Wimbledon’s ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes

Andy Murray isn’t supportive of the plan but understands there is no clear answer to the war in Ukraine.

“I’m not supportive of players getting banned…”
“My understanding of the guidance was that Russians and Belarusians can play if they sign a declaration that they’re against the war and against the Russian regime. I’m not sure how comfortable I would feel if something happened to one of the players or their families [as a result].
“I don’t think there’s a right answer. I have spoken to some of the Russian players. I’ve spoken to some of the Ukrainian players. I feel really bad for the players who aren’t allowed to play and I get that it will seem unfair to them.
“But I also know some of the people who work at Wimbledon, and I know how difficult a position they were in. I feel for everyone, feel for the players that can’t play, and I don’t support one side or the other.”
andy murray

Andy Murray Tennis – Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships – ATP, Tennis Herren – Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium – Dubai – – United Arab Emirates – 21 February 2022. *** Andy Murray Tennis Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium Dubai United Arab Emirates 21 February 2022.

This comes after Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic used their voices to condemn the ban, urging the organisation to find a solution.

The idea of Russian and Belarusian athletes signing a declaration to say they were against the war and the Russian regime was an option.

However, Wimbledon says this could put the players and their families in danger and are not backing down on their decision to ban the athletes.

This comes as Russia recently imposed a 15-year jail term for spreading fake news, which could put any Russian who speaks out against the war at risk.

Despite the conflicting opinions on the ban, Murray is set to donate all of his prize money this season to humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

Oil prices surge as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate

Published

19 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Crude oil prices jumped over 3% on Wednesday as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks showed signs of faltering, pushing WTI futures above $65 per barrel. Axios reported disagreements over the venue and scope of Friday’s talks, while President Trump warned Iran’s supreme leader to “be very worried,” stoking fears of military escalation.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf added to the volatility. A U.S. F-35C shot down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln, and Iranian vessels threatened a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The USS McFaul escorted the tanker to safety, highlighting the region’s fragile oil supply routes.

Despite the clashes, nuclear talks will go ahead on Friday in Oman, but uncertainty continues to drive oil market volatility, with traders closely watching both diplomatic and military developments.

#OilPrices #IranUS #NuclearTalks #PersianGulf #WTI #EnergyMarket #Geopolitics #OilSupply

News

Washington Post layoffs: Hundreds of journalists cut as Bezos faces criticism

Published

20 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

The Washington Post has laid off hundreds of employees, marking what former executive editor Martin Baron calls “one of the darkest days” in the paper’s history. Approximately one-third of the newsroom staff were affected, as the company undertakes a so-called “strategic reset” to compete in a crowded media landscape.

The cuts hit key areas, including the sports desk, local coverage, international reporting, the books desk, and the flagship daily news podcast. Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray said the changes aim to prioritise national security, politics, science, health, technology, climate, and business coverage while positioning the Post for the future.

Critics have called out owner Jeff Bezos for his silence during the layoffs and alleged efforts to influence the paper’s political stance. Former editor Baron warned that the newspaper’s ambitions would be sharply diminished and its credibility could suffer.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Amazon launches AI tools to change film and television production

Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Published

1 day ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Amazon MGM Studios is stepping into the future of entertainment by developing artificial intelligence tools designed to reduce production costs and streamline filmmaking processes. This closed beta, launching in March, will let industry partners test how AI can enhance creativity and efficiency on set.

Amy Cheng, leading the AI Studio team, emphasises that while AI can accelerate workflows, it will never replace the unique contributions of human creativity. The initiative represents Amazon’s push to innovate in content creation while maintaining the art of storytelling.

The use of AI in Hollywood is expanding rapidly, sparking discussions about its impact on jobs and the future of the industry. As studios explore automation, the balance between efficiency and human artistry remains a central concern.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker