Murray admitted there was a “possibility” that players could go on strike if they are not given a sufficiently influential say in how the game is governed. Murray recently expressed his frustration at a “messed up” schedule for professional men’s players, highlighting issues with the volume of mandatory events as well as the points system attached to smaller tournaments.
The world number four told BBC Sport: “I know from speaking to some players they're not afraid of doing that (striking). Let's hope it doesn't come to that but I'm sure the players will consider it.” Asked whether the subject of a strike or boycott will be mentioned during the meeting in China, he said: “Yes I think so. If we come up with a list of things we want changed – and everyone is in agreement but they don't happen – then we need to have some say in what goes on in our sport. At the moment we don't.”
Murray added: “We'll sit down, talk about it with the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) and ITF (International Tennis Federation), see if they will come to a compromise and, if not, we'll go from there. 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.
“I've spoken this week to a couple of guys who work at the ITF and I think they understand players now are quite serious about doing something. We're competing in the biggest events against the best players, it's pretty gruelling. There is extra stress on the body...we work hard and don't get much of a break. We need to have some say in things that go on in our sport, which right now we don't (have) at all really.”
