tennis world descended into chaos only days before the US Open after it was confirmed Novak Djokovic helped lead a breakaway players association, which both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have publicly objected. “data-reactid =” 32 “> The world of tennis fell into chaos just days before the US Open after it was confirmed that Novak Djokovic helped lead an association of separatist players, which Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have publicly objected.
Tennis Players Association)." data-reactid="33">On Sunday morning, the New York Times said world No. 1 Djokovic was expected to announce his resignation from the presidency of the ATP players council and help form the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA).
Both Nadal and Federer took the wind and fervently opposed the move and demanded unity.
But in a jaw-dropping move, a few hours later, players confirmed the emergence of the PTPA.
Canadian Vasek Pospisil, who announced he would be leaving the players’ council for lack of “any significant impact”, posted a photo of the players aboard the new breakaway group.
Djokovic could be seen in the front of the photo.
Tennis Players Association (PTPA),” he wrote on Twitter." data-reactid="44">“Following the success of today’s match, we are thrilled to announce the start of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA),” he wrote on Twitter.
tennis since 1972. #PTPA“” Data-reactid = “45”> “The first association of tennis players since 1972. #PTPA“
Following the success of today’s match, we are thrilled to announce the start of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA). The first all-player association in tennis since 1972. #PTPA pic.twitter.com/070TRKZ4xG
– Vasek Pospisil (@VasekPospisil) 29 August 2020
Djokovic discusses the new council of separatist players
After winning the Southern and Western Open final on Saturday, meaning Djokovic became the first player to win all Masters titles twice, the world number 1 turned to the elephant in the room.
“I have to say this is not a new idea,” he told reporters.
“This wasn’t something that came out of nowhere.
“This has been a project for many players and many different generations over the past 20+ years.”
tennis was one of the few global sports that doesn’t have a seperate body representing the players." data-reactid="53">Djokovic went on to say that tennis is one of the few sports in the world that does not have a separate body representing players.
“We are one of the few global sports that has no player organization, just players, I must say, organization or association,” he added.
Novak Djokovic stepped down as president of the ATP Players’ Council to join the new separatist council. (Photo by Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
“This has been the subject of discussion for, you know, I also think it’s a wish for many players for many decades now.”
Djokovic also tried to allay fears and said the ATP could coexist with the PTPA.
“I read in the ATP letter that they think ATP cannot coexist with the association,” he said.
“I must respectfully disagree. We are legally 100% secure and are authorized to form the players association. This is not a union.
“This is the association of players. So we don’t ask for boycotts. We are not forming parallel tours. “
Rafa Nadal (pictured) opposed the advice of separatist players, for which Novak Djokovic insisted. (Photo by Oscar Gonzalez / NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Nadal and Federer in the lead reject Djokovic
World number 2 Nadal was the first high-profile player to publicly oppose Djokovic’s move and demand unity during the coronavirus pandemic.
“The world is experiencing a difficult and complicated situation,” said the 19-time main winner.
“Personally I believe these are times to be calm and all work together in the same direction. It is time for unity, not separation.
tennis is united. " data-reactid="104">“These are times when great things can be achieved as long as the tennis world is united.
“We all, players, tournaments and governing bodies have to work together. We have a bigger problem and separation and disunity are definitely not the solution.”
Federer quickly retweeted Nadal and demanded unity.
“I agree @RafaelNadal,” Federer tweeted. “These are uncertain and challenging times, but I believe it is essential for us to remain united as players and as a sport, to pave the way for the best.”
The world of tennis divided into a separatist council
But the players are divided and not sure how much power the new player board will have.
Canadian Milos Raonic and American John Isner both suggested they were in favor of the new move.
However, British players Andy Murray and Dan Evans opposed the move.
Evans said it was “horrible timing” to make such an important call and Murray said the lack of female representation was a concern for him.
“I got the emails about the players union,” Evans told reporters.
Andy Murray said he wasn’t ready to sign up to join the Professional Tennis Players Association. (Photo by Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
“I know the reasoning, I think now is a horrible time to talk about that kind of thing. For what it’s worth, I think the ATP does a great job for us and I won’t sign. “
“I think it’s very rushed. It is very difficult to make such a decision in some chats on a group chat, some emails flying around. We have to be careful what we want. “
Evans expressed concern about lower tier players and the potential that they would have fewer tournaments to play if the new player council didn’t have the power.
Murray, a longtime supporter of the women’s game, said the WTA had to be involved in such an important decision.
“I am not against a union or association of players, but right now … I feel that the current ATP leadership should have time to implement their vision,” he said.
Look! We’ve been through this in the past (the last one I remember in 2002), and it didn’t work. This new development will bring so many complications for everyone, including the players themselves. Better to stick together, my opinion #ATP
– Kafelnikov Yevgeny (@KYevgeni) 29 August 2020
“If this works it could potentially affect me in the future. And also the fact that women are not part of it. I feel this would send a significant message … well, just a much more powerful message, personally, if the WTA agreed as well. “
Former world number 1 Kafelnikov Yevgeny said this is not a new attempt for a player council, but said the move will only lead to complications.
tennis world is officially divided only days out from the US Open." data-reactid="149">In any case, the world of tennis is officially divided within days of the US Open.
