Murray Signs To Play Caribbean Exhibition In Late November

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 4th October 2013

Murray Signs To Play Caribbean Exhibition In Late November

epa03779649 Andy Murray of Britain in action against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the men's final for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 07 July 2013. EPA/KERIM OKTEN |

Andy Murray may have dropped a huge hint as to when he plans to return to tennis after last week’s back surgery, with the Wimbledon winner lined up to play a VIP exhibition in late November in the Caribbean at the new Dream Cup.

Officials of the hit-and-giggle with a twist – the winner doesn’t received any prize money – but instead will be given a stay in a $500,000 beachside villa good for the next five years. While prizes might be off the table, appearance money presumably is also part of the beneficial player package.

The stunt is being promoted by the Saint Peter’s Bay Resort and Residences, in Barbados, 2,500 kilometers southeast of Murray’s Miami training centre. The Scot has covered his bases by also entering the well-paid post-Christmas exhibition in Abu Dhabi, the Gulf, in a field which also includes Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

Due to join Murray for a few lethargic beach days in the Caribbean from November 28-December 1 are Argentine Juan Del Potro, Spain’s Nicolas Almagro and Frenchman Richard Gasquet.

Organizers admit that relaxation is the main item on their tennis agenda, with the event more of a tourism promotion than anything else.

The American ESOB network will televise the proceedings to what is presumably the resort’s top client prospect base.

“We are thrilled to have top players come to Barbados and experience this incredible paradise,” said Dream Cup official Kodi Lewis. “We are grateful for the relationships with key partners such as the Barbados Tourism Authority, ESPN and Saint Peter’s Bay. Having this amazing tennis talent compete on the island will be a fantastic experience for the fans and sponsors and we can’t wait to kick off The Dream Cup.”

The event looks like rivaling a similar initiative staged by Virgin billionaire Richard Branson, who has hosted tennis pros for similar events at his privately owned Necker islands.

Topics: 10sballs.com, Andy Murray, Dream Cup, juan del potro, Nicolas Almagro, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Tennis, Tennis News, Wimbledon