Syrian Refugees Update: Tennis Champion Andy Murray to Donate 50 Pounds ($78) Per Ace

By Cheri Cheng - 17 Sep '15 11:50AM

British tennis player Andy Murray announced that he will be donating 50 pounds, which is worth around $78, for every ace he records from now until the end of the year to help the Syrian refugees. His donations will be going to UNICEF.

"Having seen the images broadcast on the news in recent weeks I felt I had to do something to help the millions of children and their families who have been forced to flee their homes and had their lives turned upside down," the two-time Grand Slam singles champion said in a statement. "I'll get that little bit more satisfaction from each ace I hit knowing that it will be helping UNICEF keep children safe."

The 28-year-old stated that he thought up of the idea when he saw the pictures of migrants coming to Europe. The refugees are seeking safety in nearby countries and in Europe while the civil war continues to wreak havoc in Syria. So far, more than four million Syrian nationals have fled their country.

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and one of Murray's sponsors, Standard Life, will be matching his donations, which ups the total amount of money that will be donated per ace to 200 ($311).

In the U.S. Open, which took place at the beginning of this month, Murray racked up 64 aces in four matches.

Murray will start the donations rolling when he plays in this week's Davis Cup semifinals. Murray, who is representing Great Britain, will be taking on Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis. The match will be played indoors at the Emirates Arena located in Glasgow.

Aside from raising money for the refugees, Murray will also be focused on trying to get Britain into their first Davis Cup final since 1978. The other British tennis players who are competing are Murray's older brother, Jamie, his doubles' partner, Dom Inglot and Dan Evans. The winners will play either Argentina or Belgium.

After the Davis Cup, the world No. 3 is expected to compete in Shanghai, Paris and the ATP World Tour finals.