Plans are in place for a British men’s singles tournament to be staged in place of Wimbledon during the UK’s…
Jamie Murray planning British tennis event in place of Wimbledon
Jamie and Andy Murray (Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports/Sipa USA)
Plans are in place for a British men’s singles tournament to be staged in place of Wimbledon during the UK’s now vacant summer of tennis calendar.
According to the Times, Jamie Murray is looking at organising a singles competition that would feature eight of Britain’s best men’s singles players.
The tournament would be held during Wimbledon’s original spot on the calendar and played on hardcourts without spectators.
It would aim to replicate the current format of the season-ending ATP Finals, with eight players forming two groups, with the top two from each group going on to make the semi-finals.
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Strict social distancing and safety measures would be in place, but the competition would also require current physical restrictions to be lifted by the British government in order to proceed as planned.
Players would call their own lines and pick up their own balls in the absence of umpires and ball-kids.
Going by current ATP rankings, the field would include Andy Murray, Dan Evans, Kyle Edmund, Cameron Norrie, Jay Clarke, Liam Broady, James Ward and Jack Draper.
Jamie Murray is also hoping to stage doubles tournaments featuring other players at the same time.
The Times report broadcasters have already shown interest in televising the event.
Speaking of broadcasters, the BBC have said they are planning alternative programming for the summer of tennis.
Lead presenter Sue Barker said in an interview with the Daily Mail that the BBC ‘intend to fill the fortnight’ of Wimbledon with a daily show live from the All England Club.
“We intend to fill the fortnight with tennis action and chat,” Barker said. “The plan is to film links around Wimbledon or present live from there if it is safe to do so.”
