Andy Murray may be punished after using Dubai Open for 'practice'

Andy Murray could yet land in trouble for his post-match remarks at the Dubai Open on Wednesday, following the tournament organisers' admission that they have sought an explanation from his management company, Entertainment 19. Murray, who had already "disappointed" the title sponsors Barclays, has also caused the "concern" of the tournament for volunteering that he was trying new tactics and shot-making during a surprise second-round defeat to Janko Tipsarevic, the world No39. "The stuff that I was doing in the matches is similar to what I'd be doing if I was training this week," said Murray, who is believed to have received about $400,000 (£26,000) appearance money. The Barclays consultant John Beddington commented: "It's just unfortunate that remarks like these slip out. At least you know he's being honest. But possibly a more experienced player would think it, but wouldn't say it, for fear it would hurt the event." Now the matter will go further, with Colm McLoughlin, the managing director of Dubai Duty Free, the tournament owners and organisers, admitting that he had spoken and written to Entertainment 19. "They say that Andy's always very candid with the press," McLoughlin said. "We responded by saying we don't dispute that, but it wasn't really the place to be trying new tactics and we would love to see him clarify what he meant." Even though Murray only said what other players appear to do but rarely admit, McLoughlin said he took the matter further because spectators expressed concern. "It's a pity about the things he said, because I thought he played with commitment," McLoughlin said. "It did indicate that he wasn't really practised for the tournament and was experimenting with new things. It led a lot of people to think it was just a warm-up." McLoughlin added that the Dubai Open would welcome Murray back next year provided he is still a top player. But, depending on what Murray's management company say, the controversy could yet end up before the ATP World Tour for disciplinary consideration.