KIND-HEARTED Andy Murray will donate his tennis prize money this year to the Ukrainian humanitarian aid response.
The Scot – who has banked more than £47million in career earnings on court – will not take a penny for himself in 2022, regardless of how he performs in tournaments over the next nine months.
SunSport understands that once Murray, 34, has fulfilled contractual obligations to long-standing team members, the rest of the proceeds will go to the UNICEF charity.
The world No.88 is skipping the clay-court season but is then planning a full schedule, which would include money-spinning trips to Wimbledon and the US Open.
In 2021 he earned close to £400,000 from 29 matches, which included a run to the third round of Wimbledon.
Muzza, a father of four, tweeted: “Over 7.5million 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.
“It’s vital education continues. 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.
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“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. Children in Ukraine need peace – now.”
Murray is in Indian Wells this week thanks to a wildcard for the BNP Paribas Open, the biggest event outside of the majors.
Players will wear ribbons in the yellow and blue colours of Ukraine’s flag.
The ATP, WTA, ITF and four Grand Slams will make a joint charitable donation of more than £500,000 of humanitarian relief and to support the Ukraine Tennis Federation.
Yet these might be considered hollow gestures by some as there will be plenty of Russians and Belarussians in action in the Californian desert.
Though there is no suggestion they support Vladimir Putin’s bloodthirsty invasion of Ukraine, their willingness to support and promote peace to a global audience will be scrutinised.
Russian Daniil Medvedev will play his first event as the new world No.1 but he will not be competing under a flag officially.
Help those fleeing conflict with The Sun’s Ukraine Fund
PICTURES of women and children fleeing the horror of Ukraine’s devastated towns and cities have moved Sun readers to tears.
Many of you want to help the five million caught in the chaos — and now you can, by donating to The Sun's Ukraine Fund.
Give as little as £3 or as much as you can afford and every penny will be donated to the Red Cross on the ground helping women, children, the old, the infirm and the wounded.
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The Ukraine Crisis Appeal will support people in areas currently affected and those potentially affected in the future by the crisis.
In the unlikely event that the British Red Cross raise more money than can be reasonably and efficiently spent, any surplus funds will be used to help them prepare for and respond to other humanitarian disasters anywhere in the world.
For more information visit https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/disaster-fund
