Andy Murray participation mandatory - ATP

The ATP has responded to Andy Murray's suggestion he may pull out of the World Tour Finals by stressing the London showpiece is a "mandatory event".

After guiding Great Britain to the Davis Cup final over the weekend, Murray hinted at sitting out November's tournament at the O2 Arena to focus on readying himself for the decider of the team event.

With Belgium thought to favour playing the final - which begins on November 27, five days after the World Tour Finals finish - on clay, Murray feels his time would be better spent preparing to perform on one of his less-favoured surfaces.

But ATP executive chairman and president Chris Kermode says only injury would justify withdrawal from the Finals.

"The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals is a mandatory event on the ATP World Tour," he said in a statement. "All players who qualify, unless injured, are required to compete in the event.

"Andy Murray has had a fantastic season and earned his place among the world's top eight players to compete at the season finale.

"We are aware of the comments made after the Davis Cup tie in Glasgow, however our expectations are that, if fully fit, Andy would compete in this year's tournament.

"Unless we hear otherwise via an official withdrawal, he is still entered to compete at The O2."