ATP concerned about lucrative exhibitions

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) -ATP Tour officials are concerned that top players are bypassing tour events in favor of lucrative exhibitions ahead of the Australian Open.

ATP board member Justin Gimblestob said most of the top 20 players are playing exhibitions or resting instead of playing in tournaments in Auckland and Sydney.

Richard Palmer, director of the tournament in Auckland, complained this week about the difficulty in attracting big-name players while competing with rich exhibition events.

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Gimblestob told the New Zealand Herald that the board is aware of the impact of "special events" and concerned about the trend.

Gimblestob said recent initiatives give the top four seeds first-round byes and allow them to arrive later at ATP tournaments.

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