Madrid Masters' blue clay banned by ATP

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"After careful consideration, I have decided² that blue clay courts will not be allowed next year," said ATP executive chairman and president Brad Drewett.

The surface was introduced to the crucial French Open warm-up event for the first time this year, then was widely criticized and even caused a boycott³ by the world's top two players Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

Both Djokovic and Nadal insisted that they would not return to the event in 2013 if the blue clay remained.

"I very much believe in innovation and exploring ways to enhance our sport," commented Drewett.

"While the blue clay may have offered better visibility on television, there were clearly issues with the quality of the courts in Madrid this year, which were not acceptable at an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament, one of our top events worldwide.

"Regardless of colour, we must first ensure that courts are safe and fair for players," he said.

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