Novak Djokovic - "Didn't apply, I was nominated"
Novak Djokovic commented on his candidacy for the Players' Council after his defeat by Daniil Medvedev . He did not actively apply, but was nominated by his colleagues.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Nov 19, 2020, 12:00 am
The match against Daniil Medvedev cost him a weak quarter of an hour, as far as Novak Djokovic's sporting analysis. The time between the 3: 2 in the first set and the 0: 3 in the second set had passed in a flash. The world number one lost seven games in a row, and in the end Medvedev was ahead with 6: 3 and 6: 3. No broken leg for Djokovic, he can qualify for the semi-finals on Friday with a success against Alexander Zverev. That he would then deny against Dominic Thiem .
The industry leader had a greater need for communication in matters of sports policy. During the course of the day it became known that Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil, who had left the ATP Players Council before the US Open to found the Professional Tennis Players Association, would now apply again for a place in the new council. Djokovic corrected that: He would not have actively sought a return to the players' council. Rather, it was his colleagues who nominated him for it. A big difference. And a great honor. He feels the trust of many colleagues, said Djokovic. And also meant the support for the new association.
Schwartzman supports Djokovic
It had become quiet about the PTPA because they had negotiated with the ATP in the past few months. But now you know where the ATP is. Because in the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, the ATP decided that no player may be active in the council who also has a function in another organization in the tennis system. Which obviously applies to Novak Djokovic.
Nevertheless, Djokovic emphasized, the PTPA is still very interested in working constructively with the ATP. The Serb also received support from Diego Schwartzman, who commented in detail on the PTPA / ATP mix after his defeat by Alexander Zverev. The Argentine also stated that it was about the players having a weighty voice when it came to making the sport better.
Zverev is not (yet) a candidate for the players' council
Alexander Zverev, on the other hand, does not plan to participate in a committee in the near future. A few days ago, the German number one took the position of Rafael Nadal, who campaigned for maintaining the best-of-five format at Grand Slam tournaments. As a counterpoint to Novak Djokovic, who advocated a reduction to two profit rates. To what extent the PTPA or the ATP can influence this at all is questionable anyway: After all, the four biggest tournaments of the year are united under the umbrella of the ITF.
Zverev, however, is currently not interested in joining the ATP players' council. He was asked last year if he could imagine taking this step. But he refused, according to Zverev. Such an activity would require 100 percent dedication. But he couldn't guarantee that.