Skip to main content
There's something about Murray: Ben Stiller hails grand slam champ's Ukraine fundraising mission
Written by Sports Desk. Posted in ATP. | 31 July 2022 | 806 Views
Tags: Tennis, Andy Murray, Atp, Atp 500, Citi Open

Andy Murray set his sights on a deep run at the Citi Open to bolster his fundraising for war-hit Ukrainian children, as Hollywood actor Ben Stiller sent a message of support.

Three-time grand slam winner Murray has a 19-11 win-loss record in 2022 and wants to improve that substantially before the year is out.

In March, the Scot pledged to donate the rest of his season's winnings to UNICEF's Ukraine mission, as the country endures a heavy toll of death and destruction during Russia's invasion.

A disappointing second-round loss to John Isner at Wimbledon was followed by a quarter-final exit to Alexander Bublik at the Hall of Fame Open in Newport, with those results not meeting Murray's expectations.

He is being driven by his own hunger for better results, but also an eagerness to put together a big pot of money for UNICEF's appeal.

Citi Open chairman Mark Ein announced his foundation would match Murray's winnings this week and commit that sum to the effort in Ukraine.

"You can't just forget about this," Murray said of the war. "It's still going on. People are still getting killed, children are still having to flee their homes, and are in really, really tragic situations.

"I think it's important that the media continues to shine a light on it, keep talking about it. Hopefully what the tournament is doing here can help a little bit with that.

"I just want to try and win as many matches as possible and raise as much money as I can. It will be a significant amount hopefully by the end of the year. Hopefully it makes a difference."

Stiller is a big tennis fan and has often been seen in front-row seats at the sport's top events.

He tweeted: "So much respect for ⁦@andy_murray⁩ shining a light on the millions of people - and children - still affected by this senseless war in #Ukraine."

The Reality Bites, Zoolander and There's Something About Mary actor has been a long-time Murray fan, meeting him at the 2013 US Open, a year after the British star took the Flushing Meadows title.

Murray, 35, begins his challenge at the Citi Open, staged in Washington, DC, against Sweden's Mikael Ymer on Monday.

He hailed Ein's Ukraine pledge as "brilliant", adding: "I think it really helps. It shows when the players and the tournaments work together, that really good things can happen." week.”

LATEST STORIES

#1 ATP
Sinner doping case in April
  • 2025-01-10 07:33:32
  • Hits 86
#2 ATP
Djokovic, Kyrgios win doubles match
  • 2024-12-30 03:59:07
  • Hits 56
#3 ATP
Djokovic aiming for improved 2025
  • 2024-12-29 00:20:21
  • Hits 56
#4 ATP
Lehecka claims Brisbane crown
  • 2025-01-05 01:53:15
  • Hits 48
#5 ATP
Djokovic hails Murray impact
  • 2024-12-29 04:13:33
  • Hits 47