Krajicek Keeps Busy Negotiating

His retirement isn’t even a week old, yet former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek of the Netherlands is busier than ever, his activity now taking place near tennis courts, not on them.

Krajicek is a member of the Assn. of Tennis Professionals’ negotiating committee, which has been in bargaining sessions with the Grand Slam tournaments since the French Open last month, though he has not been in the public eye as much as two others on the ATP team, Todd Woodbridge and Todd Martin.

He is considered a moderate, so his viewpoint is important as talks figure to heat up. The ATP said here after a players’ meeting Saturday that it would explore other “alternatives,” and possibly have its membership play elsewhere during the four majors, leaving the coming Slams facing the possibility of boycotts by the men.

Krajicek, who arrived at Wimbledon on Tuesday, was asked if the committee truly had the backing of the players on such a controversial issue.

“For me, I have the feeling, yes,” he said. “When I joined the negotiating committee, I said, ‘You have to back me.’ ”

Rhetoric escalated after ATP Chief Executive Mark Miles’ initial request of $50 million for the players was rejected in Paris. Since then, the organization has been conducting negotiations with the United States Tennis Assn.’s Arlen Kantarian, and there are expected to be more informal talks with the Slams before the Grand Slam Committee meets again next week.

Krajicek is aware of the public-relations battle the players are facing.

The $50 million the players are asking for includes money designated for their pension fund and for joint promotional activities.

“The pension fund is important for players,” he said. “Ask anybody who worked for Enron. What happened to their 401(k)? We only work for about 10 years.

“And the promotion fund we want is also important for the game.... “