Tennis chiefs want new schedule

The withdrawal of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer was a big blow to Hamburg

A leading ATP official has called for a major overhaul of the tennis calendar after Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Hamburg Masters.

Horst Klosterkemper, managing director for Europe at the ATP, says the double withdrawal was a big blow to the event.

"We have to come up with a concept of a calendar and a new structure," he said.

Federer and Nadal, ranked one and two in the world, opted out of Hamburg after being involved in en epic five-set Rome Masters final on Sunday.

One option is to have three-set finals instead of the five-set ones currently employed, a move mooted by Hamburg tournament director Walter Knapper.

He also favours reducing the field from 64 players to 56, giving the top eight seeds a bye straight into the second round.

"No-one is happy with this situation, not the sponsors, the television channels nor the spectators," said Knapper.

Another change being discussed involves combining men's and women's tournaments at Rome and Hamburg, along the lines of the successful Indian Wells and Miami Masters Series in the United States in March and April.

Davis Cup winner Nicolas Escude has announced his retirment after failing to overcome a shoulder injury.

The 30-year-old Frenchman has been struggling with his right shoulder for two years but has finally given up hope.

"I have come to the end of the road," he said.

"It leaves a bitter taste in the mouth but I have no choice. My body just can't keep doing it anymore and has said stop."