Two-time Western and Southern Open champion Andy Murray has been handed a main draw wildcard for this year’s event in New York, with the Brit joined by Americans Frances Tiafoe, Tennys Sandgren, and Tommy Paul in being handed a spot in the main draw berth.

Murray, who won the event in 2008 and 2011 and was also the runner-up in 2016, had previously expressed his wish to play at both this event and the US Open, with the two both being held at Flushing Meadows this summer in an attempt to create a ‘bubble’ to avoid the spread of Coronavirus. 

The Brit is currently ranked 129th and would have been using a protected ranking to make the main draw without the wildcard. The fact that he has been handed a wildcard for the Western and Southern Open suggests he may also receive one for the US Open, which will begin the following week.

Frances Tiafoe is one of three Americans to receive a wildcard into the main draw of the Men's Singles (Image: Carmen Mandeto)
Frances Tiafoe is one of three Americans to receive a wildcard into the main draw of the Men's Singles (Image: Carmen Mandeto)

Alongside Murray, young American players Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul have also received a wildcard into the main draw in what will be the ATP Tour’s first event since March due to the ongoing pandemic; Tiafoe himself tested positive for the virus at an exhibition event in America earlier this summer. There is also a wildcard for Australian Open quarterfinalist Tennys Sandgren.

Traditionally held in Cincinnati, the main draw of the tournament will begin on  August 24th in New York. The likes of Venus Williams and Kim Clijsters have received wildcards into the women’s event.

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