ATP, WTA and ITF launch corona aid programs - Djokovic, Federer and Nadal want to add more
The men's tennis organizations (ATP), women (WTA) and the ITF world organization are starting their aid fund. In parallel, Novak Djokovic , Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal launched their own initiative.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Apr 22, 2020, 09:40 am
"Due to the great uncertainty about when it is safe enough to resume the professional tours, the international bodies are discussing and an aid program for the players," says the ATP, WTA and ITF. More concrete information on this fund should be available shortly.
In addition, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal also want to provide further help. Djokovic, currently President of the ATP Players' Council, sent a letter to the players a few days ago, as reported, among others, the French L'Equipe .
"Outside of the top 250, the real fight begins," said Djokovic. "Many of these players are considering leaving professional tennis because they will not be financially superior. Unfortunately, there are a large number of players from 250th to 700th who are not supported by their associations or have no sponsors."
Depending on their ranking, the top players should pay into the fund for this - the top 5 each $ 30,000, players between 6th and 10th finally $ 20,000, the number 11 to 20 then $ 15,000, the places 21 to 50 $ 10,000.
Players between 51st and 100th should participate with $ 5,000 each. The top 20 in the double-ranked list are also expected to shoot for $ 5,000 each. Prize money from the ATP Finals or the upcoming Australian Open are also to be partially redistributed.
Millman: "Did it take a pandemic?"
A total of $ 4.5 million will initially be raised, and $ 10,000 per head will be distributed to players between places 250 and 700.
Most of the initiative met with positive reactions, but also a question from the Australian John Millman . "If the concern is to help players between the 250th to 700th place, why was a global pandemic needed to understand that?"
For years there has been a fight for a better distribution of the prize money. Although the first round prize money in Grand Slam tournaments was raised, the prize money for the top players was exorbitant.