Novak Djokovic is planning the great tennis revolution. Together with Vasek Pospisil and John Isner, the world number 1 is stepping down from the ATP players’ council to found his own player association – the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA).
However, that doesn’t go down well at all. Above all Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer scourge Djokovic for his plans.
«The world is currently in a difficult situation. Personally, I think that we should go in the same direction together in these times, ”says Nadal on Twitter:“ It is time for unity, not for division. ”
Shortly afterwards, Federer reports and emphasizes that he is in agreement with Nadal. Federer: “These are uncertain and challenging times. But I believe that it is very important for us to stand together as players. “
Djokovic: “I would like Rafa and Roger to be there”
The Big 3 in the Revolutionary Controversy! Djokovic knows very well that he should actually have his two big rivals on board for the PTPA to be really successful. “Of course I would like to have Roger and Rafa with me,” said the world number 1 after her victory at the Cincy Open in New York. «I would like to have them all. But I understand that there are different opinions. ” But now it is definitely the right time for him. It gives the players a platform on which they can express their opinion.
«Legally, we are absolutely entitled to found the players’ association. We are not calling for a boycott. Because we are not a union. We’re not creating a parallel organization, ”says the 33-year-old.
Djokovic himself wants to lead the PTPA as president, according to the New York Times. But he emphasizes that the players’ association should not be in competition with the ATP. But it wants to give the players more influence and decision-making power.
The Top500 players were invited by email to join the new association. However, the response should still be rather sparse, even if Pospisil already posted a first picture of the assembled group of players.
Murray: What about the women?
Andy Murray is also initially cautious with the new PTPA. He wants to think about it in peace first and experience the vision of the founders. And it bothers him that women don’t belong. “If women were part of it, it would send a much stronger message,” said the Scot.
The ATP emphasizes that it is now a matter of “unity instead of internal division” and has received support from the organizers of the Grand Slam tournaments, the world association ITF, the WTA.