Lawn Tennis Association chief executive Roger Draper has welcomed amended tax rules announced in Wednesday's, March 21 Budget that could make it easier for Britain to attract the world's top tennis players.

The UK's tax system, which requires players to pay a percentage of their endorsement deals as well as their earnings while competing in the country, has become an increasingly major issue with two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal particularly vocal in his opposition.

The Spaniard claims playing in the UK costs him money, but the announcement on Wednesday that training days will now be included when HMRC considers the proportion of global endorsements to tax is considered a step in the right direction by the LTA.

Draper said: "I am pleased that the Government, like us, recognizes that the existing rules on endorsement tax pose a serious risk to the status and growth of our major sporting events, and I welcome the decision to include this in the Budget.”

As well as the AEGON Championships, the tax rules are also an issue for the prestigious end-of-season Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, which were awarded to the O2 Arena in London in a five-year deal beginning in 2009, according to UKPA.