MURRAYS SET TO STAR IN NEXT MONTH’S UK TOUR

BRITAIN’S top players, from the Murray brothers to Jo Konta, are expected to be back playing next month as the UK’s tennis summer returns with a difference. A series of six or seven domestic tournaments in different locations is due to be announced by the Lawn Tennis Association. Among them is one likely to be promoted by Jamie Murray in London, which could see the long-awaited return of his brother, Andy, assuming that he is allowed to do so by his troublesome hip. Dan Evans and Kyle Edmund should be among the other participants. The events are expected to be held behind closed doors and will all be subject to the Government’s guidelines. The first tournament should take place late next month on hard courts, in anticipation of the surface being used when the international tours return. At present, all world-ranking events are off until at least August, so these tournaments will guarantee British players competitive matches. At least two of the events are expected to be in London and Queen’s Club has been discussed as a possible venue for Jamie Murray’s venture. The package of tournaments, for both men and women, is set to include different tiers of prizemoney and competitiveness. One venue seemingly sure to be used is the National Tennis Centre at Roehampton. The move comes as a more optimistic mood develops over the US and French Opens taking place at some stage.

Sportsmail understands there is a virtual meeting of the sport’s main stakeholders — the Grand Slams, men’s and women’s tours and the International Tennis Federation — later this week. European events are now being held, including in Austria and the Czech Republic this week.