Tennis: The revised ATP calendar is not safe for players, says Murray

(Reuters) – Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray said Saturday that the revised ATP schedule that includes seven tournaments in how many weeks is not safe for players, who will be forced to skip major events because of the schedule. cluttered.

The ATP tour, which was suspended in March due to the new coronavirus outbreak, will resume on August 14 with the Citi Open, followed by the Cincinnati Masters, which will be held in Flushing Meadows before the US Open.

The Claycourt men’s swing will begin on September 8 in Kitzbuhel, followed by the Masters tournaments in Madrid and Rome on September 13 and Rome Masters on September 20, with the French Open starting a week later.

“It is not certain that players will pass through the semi-finals or the New York final … and then play in Madrid on clay when they have not competed for a long time,” said Murray during a press conference during the Charity Tournament of Battle of the Brits.

“You will have the potential in which many of the best players do not participate in many of the most important events.”

The 33-year-old said that with the upcoming events rapid changes will have to be made with respect to the players’ ranking points.

“It may be worth looking at a two-year ranking for the time being, perhaps so the guys who did well last year and can’t defend their points properly aren’t punished,” the double Wimbledon champion said.

Murray has suggested that he skip the Cincinnati tournament to prepare his preparations for the US Open.

“I’d rather play in Washington and miss the event the week before at the US Open if everyone goes on,” he added.

Murray returned to action after a seven-month layoff at the charity event organized by his brother Jamie this week, moving on to the semifinals before losing 1-6 6-3 10-8 against Dan Evans.