Murry and Nadal back Federer call

Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal are the latest players to call for the Australian Open to shift to February.

Earlier this week, Roger Federer, the current president of the ATP Players’ Council, suggested the tournament be moved back two weeks to allow a longer build-up to the first grand slam of the year.

It is a call that has been backed by Murray despite his flying start to the season and status as joint-favourite, with Federer, for the title.

“Having the Aussie Open a couple of weeks later and maybe having one of the ATP World Tour 500 events in Australia would make sense,” the 21-year-old Scot said.

The British number one went further, however, suggesting a bigger gap be made between the French Open and Wimbledon.

“For me, likewise with the grass court season. I think it would be good if that was a week or so longer.

“I think one or two of the grass-court events should be 500 tournaments because it makes it fairer for all the players and it makes a better lead-up to the slams I think.

“There’s not too much time between the French Open and Wimbledon now.”