Tennis News : 'Summit needed' to resolve issues

Bookmark and Share
By Jonathan Overend


Andy Murray

Murray has this week rowed back on suggestions that players might strike

A leading tournament boss has called for a summit involving all tennis governing bodies to address the concerns raised by leading players.

Andy Murray has suggested that players might discuss strike action over the crowded calendar.

Andy Roddick and Rafa Nadal have also spoken out on a range of issues.

"They need a summit with the Grand Slam present, the ITF present, the WTA present and of course the ATP," said Shanghai Masters boss Michael Luevano.

"Lock them in a room and throw away the key until they come out."


With someone like Roger Federer, we want him in the game for five more years

Michael Luevano
Shanghai Masters boss



Murray has since adopted a more measured tone regarding the suggestion that players might strike.

"The players are maybe coming across as being spoilt when I don't think that is the case," said Murray.

But Luevano is adamant that talks are needed to thrash out concerns.

"It's like voting for the Pope. Stay there [in the meeting] and we'll wait for the white smoke," added Luevano.

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are both absent from this year's Shanghai event.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Luevano admits it is frustrating when top players withdraw from leading tournaments, but he does not necessarily blame them.

12 MONTHS IN A PLAYER'S LIFE


  • As well as the four Grand Slams and eight Masters 1000 tournaments, players must enter four lower-tier events
  • With the Australian Open in January and the season's climax, the World Tour Final, in November, successful players may only have one month's rest per year
  • Andy Murray is currently competing in his eighth and final Masters 1000 tournament of the season

"Especially with someone like Roger, we want him in the game for five more years," added Luevano.

"If he's not comfortable with how his body is feeling, and we just happen to be the tournament he can't make, then so be it."

The Shanghai chief says it is important that a balance is made between the players' demands and the needs of the tournaments.

"It is very complex [the calendar debate]. There are a lot of moving parts, a lot of historic events, established market places," added Luevano.

"By wanting to shorten the season, someone is going to suffer dramatically.

"I think a lot of progress has been made by the ATP and from the tournament side what we're looking for is player commitment which is how we build the event."

Listen to a tennis special on BBC 5 live Sport at 1930 BST on Thursday with Jonathan Overend in Shanghai.


{ 0 comments... Views All / Send Comment! }

Posting Komentar

Recent Post