Andy Murray has signed a multi-million-pound deal with the Lawn Tennis Association to "compete in the traditional Wimbledon warm-up event, the Aegon Championships, for the rest of his career," according to Stuart Fraser of the LONDON TIMES. However, the LTA has "failed to convince" the world No. 1 to take on a "wider promotional role with the governing body for British tennis in helping to grow participation." Murray’s commitment to continue to take part in the ATP 500 tournament held each June at the Queen’s Club in London, which he won last summer for a record fifth time, "will no doubt help in attracting a new sponsor, with pension specialist Aegon’s association with the LTA coming to an end this year." But "guaranteeing the commitment of top players is costly for non-mandatory tournaments, with Murray believed to command an appearance fee" at Queen’s of about £700,000 ($852,400). After protracted negotiations, he has "decided against getting involved with the LTA’s efforts to drive grassroots participation in the sport." Murray has "often been critical of the LTA in the past." Just two months ago, before the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena, in southeast London, he "voiced concerns about its reluctance to maintain a steady direction of performance strategy." Murray: "Change happens all the time. Whoever is leaving, someone else comes in, does something completely different." The announcement of Murray’s new deal "was made in conjunction with an agreement by the BBC to cover the Queen’s Club tournament" until at least '24, the same length as its new broadcast contract with Wimbledon (LONDON TIMES, 1/12).
