Brits may be forced to skip Queen’s after ranking points threat

TOP British players may be forced to play abroad rather than at domestic pre-Wimbledon tournaments if threats materialise to reduce or abolish ranking points at UK events this summer. Andy Murray and his compatriots may try to play on the grass in Germany instead of at home, should Queen’s and other tournaments be devalued in response to the banning of Russians and Belarusians. The board of the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) was meeting again yesterday to decide how to act in the face of some members being barred from competing in England. That came after their player council voted to recommend stripping Wimbledon of ranking points, a decision that needs to be ratified by the board. Another idea that has been discussed at length is halving the points on offer at events prior to SW19, thus making the concurrent tournaments on grass in Europe more attractive. In the case of Murray, for example, he is already going to be playing in Stuttgart the week prior to Queen’s, and might be tempted to head to Halle, also in Germany, afterwards instead of back to London. The field for Wimbledon itself would likely be unaffected regardless, given that prize money will be approaching £40million in total. While the player council — which Murray has left but which still includes Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer — are in favour of taking a tough line there are potential future complications. One underestimated factor is that the ranking points agreement with the Grand Slams (which operate independently of the tours) comes to an end this year. Should Wimbledon be excluded this summer then the tone of negotiations for any new deal is likely to shift, with the possibility that the four majors might be inclined to set up an alternative system. Aside from anything, many ordinary fans outside the tennis bubble will wonder why the players would appear to be siding with the Russians and Belarusians when the situation in Ukraine shows no sign of improving. Meanwhile, the Lawn Tennis Association faced embarrassment yesterday when they announced the closure of their elite academy in Stirling less than three years after its opening. It has turned out to be yet another colossal waste of money for the governing body. In Rome, British No 1 Cam Norrie took a medical timeout to deal with an ankle injury as he was beaten 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 by Croatia’s Marin Cilic in the second round.