Meanwhile...
by Mary Walsh
We weren't at the mandatory ATP Players Meeting on Tuesday March 20th in Miami, but we hear it was a lively one.
Among other items on the agenda was a proposal to demote the Monte Carlo tournament from Masters Series status in 2009, as well as to reduce the prize money by over three-quarters. This would reduce the points players could earn at the event. Also for consideration was a plan to demote Hamburg as well. Both of these events are clay court tournaments. If they lose Masters Series status, there will be only one clay masters left, Rome.
Rafa spearheaded the presentation of a petition against these ideas signed by 65 players to Etienne de Villiers, executive chairman and president of the ATP. Apparently things got so heated that a number of players wound up walking out.
"Many of the players on clay are upset. We have to speak with more players to see what we will do," said Rafa.
We at VB are proud of Rafa for taking a leadership position in this matter.
Miami 2007. Drama on and off the court. Stay tuned . . .
