Football

Judy Murray wants towel rule change after Verdasco incident

Published

8 years ago

October 6, 2018

Editor

British tennis coach Judy Murray has suggested a rule change after a clip showing world number 28 Fernando Verdasco apparently shouting at a ball boy prompted widespread criticism.

In the clip, Verdasco gesticulates angrily at the boy after a delay in receiving his towel between points.

The practice of ball boys and girls providing a towel to players is commonplace but has its critics.

“What about a rule that makes players get their own towels?” said Murray.

Responding to the same incident, which took place at the Shenzhen Open, GB Fed Cup captain Anne Keothavong wrote on Twitter: “I can’t stand this.”

Players will have to use towel racks during this year’s edition of the Next Gen ATP Finals – the season-ending event for players under the age of 21.

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Rising Tensions Between Regulators and Airlines The financial strain has coincided with renewed friction between the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), following disputes over the remittance of statutory charges and the delivery of regulatory services. Operators say the situation reflects deeper systemic liquidity stress across the sector, where airlines are increasingly unable to meet overlapping obligations imposed by aviation agencies while maintaining operational stability. A Layered and Fragmented Tax System At the centre of industry complaints is what operators describe as a “multi-layered and excessive” taxation structure involving the NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). Airlines such as Air Peace, Ibom Air, and United Nigeria Airlines are subject to a range of compulsory charges, including the 5% ticket levy, passenger service charges, value-added tax on tickets and aviation inputs, and other operational deductions collected at different stages of the value chain. Industry players argue that the system creates cash flow distortions because several charges are collected upfront or deducted at source, leaving airlines with reduced working capital for day-to-day operations. Beyond ticket-based deductions, carriers also face landing fees, parking charges, overflight fees, navigation levies, and ground handling costs. Combined with jet fuel, which accounts for a significant share of total operating expenses, analysts say profitability on many domestic routes has been severely constrained. 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Judy Murray wants towel rule change after Verdasco incident

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Judy Murray wants towel rule change after Verdasco incident

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