Judy Murray quits role as Fed Cup captain with call for changes

Andy Murray's mother had been Britain's captain for five years

(Getty Images)

Judy Murray called last for an overhaul of the Fed Cup after resigning as Britain’s captain on Tuesday. Murray, who has been in the post for five years, is frustrated by the team competition’s format, which has left Britain stranded in a regional group, in which all matches are played at a neutral venue in a single week in February.

Murray, who wants to spend more time with her family and on her “Tennis on the Road” and “Miss-Hits” grassroots programmes, said: “Things have got to change. Everyone can see the buzz created around the home ties and team tennis at all stages of the Davis Cup. Fed Cup should be afforded a similar format.”

Apart from the 16 World Group countries, who play home and away, all other teams play in regional groups. For the last 13 years Britain have been in the 16-team Europe Africa Zone Group One.

“It’s crucial we use this global competition as a means of attracting and retaining girls in competitive tennis at every level,” Murray said. “That requires more countries to have the opportunity of playing home and away ties.”

Ironically enough, changes could be made later this year. Dave Haggerty, the International Tennis Federation’s new president, would also like to see more teams admitted into the World Group.

Murray’s son, Andy, will see his ranking points total fall next week after losing to Argentina’s Federico Delbonis in the third round of the Indian Wells Masters.

Maria Sharapova has been suspended as a goodwill ambassador by the United Nations in the wake of her failed drugs test.

The Tennis Integrity Unit last night denied suggestions it had been ignoring evidence of match-fixing from an investigation in Italy. Roberto Di Martino, the prosecutor in Cremona, said he had uncovered possible corruption in more than 30 matches involving many players.