Murray to donate 2022 prize money to Ukrainian children affected by Russia war

03/08/2022

Andy Murray has promised to donate all future prize money won in 2022 to children affected by the war in Ukraine.

The former British No 1 is already an ambassador for Unicef UK, and is working with the charity to support children with medical supplies and educational needs amid the Russian invasion.

And now the Scot has taken to Twitter to confirm he will help fund the project via a heartwarming gesture.

"Over 7.5m children are at risk with the escalating conflict in Ukraine, so I’m working with Unicef UK to help provide urgent medical supplies and early childhood development kits," he posted.

"It’s vital education continues, so UNICEF is working to enable access to learning for displaced children, as well as supporting the rehabilitation of damaged schools, together with replacement equipment and furniture.

"I’m going to be donating my earnings from my prize money for the rest of the year, but anyone in the UK can support UNICEF’s humanitarian response by donating to our appeal by following this link – https://unicef.uk/am_ukraine."

The three-time Grand Slam champion finished his announcement with a simple, yet poignant message.

"Children in Ukraine need peace – now."

It's not the first time Murray, who exited this year's Australian Open at the second round stage, has adhered himself to the public by taking a moral stance.

In January, he revealed he had turned down a seven figure sum to play an exhibition match in Saudi Arabia, in protest over the country's record on human rights.

According to the Independent, his promise came on the same day that tennis ’ governing bodies came together to announce a donation of 700,000 US dollars (approximately £530,000) to help humanitarian efforts in Ukraine – and support the country's tennis federation.

Since Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on February 24, numerous sporting sanctions have been imposed on his country.

The International Tennis Federation [ITF] has responded to the conflict by cancelling this month's Moscow Open, and also axing October's Kremlin Cup tournament from the ATP and WTA schedules.

All Russian and Belarusian players have also been order to compete under a neutral banner, with their national flags forbidden at tournaments, whilst both countries have also been suspended indefinitely from Davis Cup events.

However, authorities have thus far resisted calls to issue a blanket ban on players from either nation competing.

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