Andy Murray set to return to action next week as he steps up Australian Open preparations

Andy Murray has been handed an additional chance to step up his preparations for next year’s Australian Open after Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association confirmed they are staging an event next week.
The LTA has been impressively proactive in helping British tennis on an off the court over the course of a traumatic 2020, with the ‘Battle of the Brits’ events staged at the LTA’s Roehampton HQ last summer proving to be a huge success.
Now Jamie Murray is teaming up with the LTA once again to host an event that will see all of Britain’s top players face off against each other from December 20th-23rd.
The ‘Battle of the Brits Premier League Tennis’ will feature the top men and women’s players in the UK, with Dan Evans, Heather Watson, Andy Murray, Emma Raducanu, Cameron Norrie, Harriet Dart, Jay Clarke, Jodie Burrage and James Ward all signed up to compete.
The tournament scoring system will be Match Tiebreaks for deciding sets and the points system used to declare the men’s and women’s leaders at the conclusion of the event will be three points for a win over any player ranking inside the world’s Top 250, two points for a win ranked between 251-600 and one point for winning a set while losing a match.
“The facilities here are world class – it makes a really incredible training environment for everyone”
Catch up on how the LTA team & the National Tennis Centre supported the players throughout the Battle of the Brits pic.twitter.com/3mxer5fTJI
— LTA (@the_LTA) August 4, 2020
The event will be streamed on LTA’s own social media channels (and YouTube) to allow tennis fans far and wide the chance to enjoy the matches.
Jamie Murray said: “All the players were keen to get the chance to test themselves before the season begins. It’s been such an unusual year, with so many disruptions that any competitive tennis people can get is welcome. Even in pre-season nobody likes to lose to their friends, so we’re expecting some tight matches.”
LTA CEO Scott Lloyd said: “We want to do all we can to help British players prepare for the season ahead. Whilst we wait for the calendar to be finalised we’ve got the opportunity to let players play competitively at the NTC.
“Despite being indoors, the matches will be on a similar type of court surface as at Melbourne and using the same balls to try and replicate conditions in Australia as closely as we can. Hopefully the players will make the most of the opportunity to get some competitive matches under their belt.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Former WTA star reveals why she thinks Aryna Sabalenka was the best player in 2023 over Iga Swiatek
“She has a small edge over Iga Swiatek – she could’ve won all four Slams.”
-
Tennis News
ATP pro explains why Novak Djokovic is ‘more impressive’ to face than Carlos Alcaraz
A player who has faced both Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz has compared the respective challenges.
-
ATP Tour
Which ATP star was the king of the comeback in 2023?
Alexander Zverev looks set to be named the comeback player of the 2023 season.
-
Tennis Features
The 5 records Novak Djokovic could break in 2024
Novak Djokovic is an unstoppable juggernaut when it comes to breaking records.
-
Australian Open
Trio of former World No 1s go straight into Australian Open draw with Special Rankings and wildcard
Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki have been handed main draw entries.
-
Tennis News
Brisbane International sports ‘best-ever’ field with nine Grand Slam winners headed to Queensland in January
The Brisbane International in 2024 will include nine Grand Slam champions.
-
Tennis News
Maria Sharapova issues stark social media warning
Maria Sharapova recently discussed the stress imposed on today’s society by social media.
-
Tennis News
Ben Shelton thrives on personal attention from Roger Federer’s On Sports
Who backs rising star Ben Shelton?
-
WTA Tour
Historic clay-swing tournament already drawing big names with Jessica Pegula and Ons Jabeur entered
Ons Jabeur and Jessica Pegula have signed up for the Charleston Open.