Lawn Tennis Association CEO Roger Draper has "welcomed amended tax rules announced in Wednesday's Budget that could make it easier for Britain to attract the world's top tennis players," according to the UKPA. The U.K.'s tax system, which "requires players to pay a percentage of their endorsement deals as well as their earnings while competing in the country, has become an increasingly major issue," with player Rafael Nadal "particularly vocal in his opposition." Andy Murray is the only member of the top four ranked players at the ATP World Tour AEGON Championships in London this year. The event has been a "huge success with big crowds and universal approval from the players, the tax issue aside." London is "hoping to hang on to the tournament for another five years when the contract ends next year" (UKPA, 3/21). The tax rules are "also an issue for the end-of-season Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, which were awarded" to the O2 Arena in London in a five-year deal beginning in '09. Tournament Managing Dir Chris Kermode "confirmed officials have applied for a tax exemption, such as the one given" to the UEFA Champions League final when it was held at Wembley Stadium (GUARDIAN, 3/22).
