Rafael Nadal criticizes PTPA foundation: "Not the right time"
Rafael Nadal expressed himself critical of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) founded by Novak Djokovic at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Rome - and gave an update on his current form.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Sep 15, 2020, 12:02 am
After a break of more than six months, Rafael Nadal will celebrate his comeback on the tour in Rome. The Spaniard had canceled the US Open due to the corona pandemic and was preparing for the clay court tournaments in Rome and Paris in his native Mallorca.
At the press conference in the run-up to the event in the Italian capital, however, the main topic was the establishment of the PTPA. The world number one Novak Djokovic announced the formation of the new player representation at the end of August and soon after saw himself exposed to some criticism - in particular from Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Nadal criticizes communication
In Rome, the Spaniard repeated his criticism of the establishment of the PTPA. "I think that today is not the right time for that. And even if we weren't in the situation we are in today, there are a lot of things that are not clear," said Nadal.
"There are a number of things that I don't think are right. We're going through a global crisis in every way. It's a tough time for all of us, for the players, for the organizers, for the entire tour. We should therefore stick together more than ever, and we should not split up and each pursue their own interests, "the 19-time Grand Slam winner specified his criticism.
In particular, the communication process pissed off the 34-year-old: "We shouldn't have found out about this initiative through a letter. If you want us to support you in any way, then we have to be informed in advance." At the same time, Nadal can understand the criticism of the ATP: "I understand the dissatisfaction of some players who have signed the proposal."
At the PTPA, however, there are currently "many unanswered questions" that, from Nadal's point of view, still need to be answered. Djokovic had emphasized on the sidelines of the US Open that he did not want to compete with the ATP - rather, the world number one is about a players' association in which professionals fight for their interests without exception.
"Maybe a little below my average level"
In any case, the press conference was about Novak Djokovic's personality. Nadal described the disqualification at the US Open as "unhappy". "But the rules clearly state that it is a disqualification. He certainly did not want to hurt anyone, but it is important to have self-control on the pitch," said the world number two.
Finally, the focus was also placed on sports. Nadal, who will meet US Open semi-finalist Pablo Carreno Busta in Rome , is looking forward to finally being able to play competitive tennis again. At the same time, the big favorite for the title dampened expectations: "I feel good - normal or maybe a little below my average level. I haven't played for a while and to be at 100 percent you need matches. The game against Carreno Busta will be a difficult but good test. "