Michael Stich has come out and criticised the suggestions from Andy Murray that the tennis players could strike over what they consider to be an overcrowded schedule.
The former Wimbledon and world number two was adamant in stating that:
“These tournaments provide them with jobs and an income,” the 1991 Wimbledon champion told BBC Radio 5 live.
“I don’t think the complaint is a good one. I didn’t complain – and I played in tournament singles and doubles.”
Former British tennis chief David Felgate has however insisted that strikes are unlikely.
Murray had told BBC Sport: “We just want things to change, really small things. Two or three weeks during the year, a few less tournaments each year, which I don’t think is unreasonable.”
Stich insists the bodies that govern tennis – and the tournaments that make up its calendar – support its professionals.
He added: “I don’t think it is a big issue. They are not playing more than we did 10 or 15 years ago and they have shorter seasons than we used to.
“When people like Stefan Edberg played in singles and doubles at Grand Slams, they [just] did their job. Andy Murray doesn’t even play four rounds of Davis Cup each year.
“It’s not down to the tournaments and the ATP [Association of Tennis Professionals], it’s down to the players themselves. Perhaps they need to look out for their bodies and pick their tournaments better?”
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