Andy Murray: Splash the cash in battle against doping

Tennis star Andy Murray has weighed into the debate of doping in sport by claiming that more money needs to be invested to beat drugs cheats.

Two-time grand slam winner Murray’s comments came on the eve of the ATP Tour finals in London and as the IAAF moved to provisionally suspend Russia after a series of damming revelations that place its participation in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio in doubt.

Scot Murray, who has spoken out previously of the need for more comprehensive testing in tennis, told CNN that lack of resources should not be an issue.

Read: Murray says “good riddance” to tennis doper

“We should try to invest as much money as we can into anti-doping programs,” he said.

Murray demands improvements

Murray, seeded to meet world number one Novak Djokovic in the final of the elite eight-man finals at the 02 Arena in London, believes the solution lies with organizers and promoters.

“Sports events should redirect some of the prize money rather than it going to the athletes and put it into the anti-doping bodies to make the testing protocol better,” he said.

Read: Russia should be banned from sport - WADA

Track and Field is the latest sport to be hit by a doping crisis after an investigation by WADA (World Antio Doping Agency) into allegations by a German television station of state sponsored doping by Russia athletes and allegations of a cover up by officials.

Murray said he was impatient and exasperated about the continuing scandals. “Sport needs to do a much better job of making sure that it’s clean,” he added.

Djokovic favorite

Djokovic, who is on a 22-match unbeaten run at the end of the season, starts against Kei Nishikori Sunday.

He is a hot favorite for a fifth tittle at the end of season showpiece and admits that 2015 has seen him at his best.

“I’m experiencing the time of my life. The best season I’ve had so far,” he said.

Rafael Nadal, drawn in the same group as Murray and Stan Wawrinka, with the top two going through to the semifinals, paid tribute to Djokovic’s achievements.

“What Novak did this year is just very difficult to repeat. It’s one of the best seasons in the history of our sport,” he believed.

Djokovic, winner of three grand slams and a record six Masters 1000 events this year, has been drawn in the same group as six-time ATP Tour Finals winner Roger Federer.

It is a repeat of last year’s final which saw the Swiss pull out at the last minute through injury.

Federer to continue

The 34-year-old Federer has enjoyed a superb season and said he had no intention of retiring from the circuit in the immediate future.

“I still love it because I can spend every single day with my kids and my family. As long as my wife and my kids are happy I’ll keep doing it,” said the 17-time grand slam champion.

Meanwhile, organizers announced that security at the indoor venue had been “reviewed” in the light of the Paris attacks.

“Our deepest condolences are with all those affected by the tragic events in Paris,” said an official ATP statement..

“The O2 already has enhanced security in place, and tournament preparations are continuing as normal. Venue security is monitored at all times to ensure the safety of all our visitors.”

Sharapova ties it up

In tennis action Saturday, the Fed Cup final between the Czech Republic and Russia in Prague is tied at 1-1 after the first day.

Former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova put the hosts ahead with a come from behind victory against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, 2-6 6-1 6-1.

Sharapova, playing in her first Fed Cup final, leveled it for Russia with a 6-3 6-4 win over rising young star Karolina Pliskova, hitting 28 winners in a display of power tennis.

Sunday will see the big clash between Kvitova and Sharapova in the reverse singles which could go a long way to deciding the outcome of the annual team event.