ATP Finals: Novak Djokovic - "The PTPA does not want to divide the tennis world"
Novak Djokovic is the favorite in the ATP Finals 2020 in London. In his press conference as part of the Media Day, the industry leader also commented on urgent issues in the tennis business.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Nov 13, 2020, 11:08 pm
A few days before the start of the US Open, Novak Djokovic caused a bang in the tennis world: Together with around 60 colleagues, the world number one found himself on the court of the Louis Armstrong Stadium. And at the same time announced the founding of a new players' union: the "Professional Tennis Players Association" (PTPA). The excitement was great among some colleagues, even Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were not very impressed by their rival's idea.
In the past few weeks it has been rather quiet about the PTPA. But that doesn't mean that the project is off the table. On the contrary, as Djokovic affirmed at his press conference during the Media Day at the ATP Finals in London. Tennis is approaching uncertain times, when players need as many alliances as possible. He spoke to many players who were around 500th in the world rankings. And they have no way of making money at the moment because so many futures tournaments would collapse.
Djokovic wants to talk to everyone
Djokovic once again explicitly emphasized that the PTPA's approach is not geared towards confrontation. "The PTPA does not want to split the tennis world," said Djokovic. One of the flaws from the beginning should be remedied in the near future: Because in the future women should also be represented in the association. He has already had talks with Sloane Stephens and Serena Williams, said Djokovic. Basically, the situation is difficult because so many players in tennis have a say: the ATP, the WTA, the ITF and the Grand Slam organizers.
At the moment, only about 200 professional tennis players could make a living from their profession. that is far too few, so Djokovic.