Roddick criticized tennis schedule

11-14-2008 | AFP

Tennis players have been asked to play too many mandatory tournaments

Panama Star Senior ATP official Brad Drewett said the new format, where players must attend eight new Masters 1000 events and four lower-tier events, was not up for discussion.

"I respect Andy's view. He's a very intelligent and good-thinking young man and his views are valued," said the ATP International chief.

"But in the end the board decided, taking into account everyone's perspective, that this would be the best way forward."

Roddick pulled out of the ongoing Tennis Masters Cup with an ankle injury, joining world number one Rafael Nadal on the sidelines, and then blasted the new schedule. "I think too much is asked of us as far as playing 11 months of the year, and now they're imposing more mandatory tournaments," he said. "It doesn't make a whole a lot of sense. It's unfortunate for someone like Rafa that goes out there and does things the right way.”