"Andy Murray has one because your favorite is not selling a ticket" - Mark Petchey defends decision to award Murray wildcard at Dubai Open

Andy Murray has received a wildcard to play at the ATP 500 Dubai Open, which is set to begin on February 26. And while several fans have criticized the decision to award Murray a wildcard, former player Mark Petchey has defended it.

Murray rose to World No. 61 following his stellar performance at the 2023 Australian Open. In his second-round match against Thanasi Kokkinakis, the Brit mounted an incredible comeback from two sets down to clinch victory after a grueling 5 hours and 45 minutes.

Despite his loss to Roberto Bautista Agut in the subsequent round, the 35-year-old's showing Down Under reinforced his status as a crowd-puller.

Some tennis fans have raised objections towards the decision to award Murray another wildcard. But former player Mark Petchey, who now works as a tennis analyst, has defended the tournament's decision.

In a tweet, Petchey responsded to the criticism by arguing that wildcards are commercial in nature and that tournaments have to make the most profitable decision for that purpose.

"The thing about Wild Cards on the tour are they are commercially driven," Petchey tweeted.

He further remarked that tournaments, especially non-Grand Slam events, have to award wildcards to players who will bring the most attendance to the event. Petchey believes that fans who were upset at their favorite player missing out on a wildcard should accept that their favorites weren't as popular as Andy Murray.

"It's because your favourite is not selling a ticket," Petchey continued.

Andy Murray tops the list of players who have been awarded wildcards at ATP events in the Open Era, alongside Tommy Haas. The pair have received 53 wildcards for ATP events over the course of their respective careers.

Andy Murray says the Dubai Open is a great chance for him to move up the rankings

Murray at the 2023 Australian Open

Andy Murray is looking forward to taking part in the Dubai Open, which he won in 2017 by beating Fernando Verdasco in the final.

The Brit recently stated that Dubai brings back many fond memories for him and that he is glad to be able to compete in the tournament.

“Coming back to Dubai brings with it a lot of good memories, not least 2017 and the final with Fernando,” Murray said.

Murray also said that he was trying to use the opportunity to continue climbing up the ATP rankings.

"My form is improving and my game is getting better, so the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships provides another great opportunity for me to continue to climb back up the rankings,” the 35-year-old said.