Rafael Nadal teases Novak Djokovic and ATP
Rafael Nadal has criticized Novak Djokovic and ATP after his solid three-set win against Australian James Duckworth ( click here for all men's results from day 1 ). The Spaniard complained about the lack of support after the environmental disaster in Mallorca and missed discussions by the players' council about the replacement of the ATP Presidium.
by Lukas Zahrer
last edit:
Jan 14, 2019, 01:30 pm
The contract of the current ATP chairman, Chris Kermode, expires at the end of the 2019 season. So far, the Player Council has not asked Nadal what he thinks about the presidency of the World Association, which displeased him.
"I am no longer on the players' council and so far no one has approached me," said Nadal on Monday afternoon. "It is the first time that I have heard that Kermode may not continue. When it comes to making such important decisions, I would expect the player council to ask me my opinion. ”
Nadal vs. Djokovic: "He has to come to me"
With this, Nadal criticized Novak Djokovic, the current world number one, who is currently chairing the player council, even if he put it into perspective: "I know that it is not always easy [obtaining opinions, note]."
And further: “When I was on the players' council, I always tried to approach the players. He is represented there now, so he has to come to me. ”
Roger Federer also indicated a similar position before the tournament, but the Swiss would like to talk to Djokovic, Nadal and Andy Murray in the coming weeks.
Rafael Nadal criticizes ATP: "Unfortunately, that didn't happen"
But Nadal subsequently spoke out clearly for an extension of Kermode's contract. “It is not a good thing if we change too much. It's a long-term project, and Chris did an outstanding job. He knows the situation of world tennis better than any new person would. "
Nevertheless, the 17-time Grand Slam champion criticized the ATP. Nadal would have wished for more support in cleaning up after the floods in Mallorca last year.
“I would appreciate it if the ATP supports the people who make up this sport. I would have been happy to receive monetary help after working in Mallorca. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. "
In all seriousness, Nadal laughed at his press conference when he caught a journalist who was apparently taking a little nap in the press room. "It is obviously not that interesting today," said Nadal, but had a suitable explanation ready: "You have probably just focused on what I have to say."
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