Roger Federer on the ATP power struggle: "Should talk to Novak Djokovic"
As part of the ATP tournament in Dubai, Roger Federer commented on the current power struggle behind the scenes for the ATP Presidium. The Swiss announced that he would like to get a little more involved in the political decisions and is planning a conversation with Novak Djokovic.
by Lukas Zahrer
last edit: Mar 02, 2019, 01:06 pm
This currently heads the players' council, and his vote has an important role in the negotiations with the ATP board. Rumor has it that some athletes would like to be replaced by the current ATP president, Chris Kermode.
In the coming week there will be meetings in Indian Wells, in which the players' common position will be discussed about the composition of the ATP board. Roger Federer has not been contacted by Djokovic yet.
"I am no longer on the players 'council, but I always have an open ear," said Federer, who confirmed discussions with other members of the players' council at the Australian Open last January.
“It's been pretty quiet for the past few weeks. This is always the case, everyone is stressed before the Australian Open. Then the tour disperses and you see no more. The discussion flattens out a little. ”
However, the 20-time Grand Slam winner sees himself as obliged to seek a conversation with Djokovic. "I have to do it right. I didn't speak to him in Australia, but I should do it now. It was also my fault because I lost early. That robbed me of the time to have more conversations there, ”said Federer, who failed to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the round of 16 from Melbourne.
The 37-year-old is certain that the discussions will gain momentum in the coming week. "It may or may not end well, but these issues are sure to come up again in Indian Wells," he said.
ATP Player Council: The current members
| player | Responsible for |
|---|---|
| Kevin Anderson | Players with singles ranking 1-50 |
| Robin Haase | Players with singles ranking 1-50 |
| John Isner | Players with singles ranking 1-50 |
| Sam Querrey | Players with singles ranking 1-50 |
| Yen-Hsun Lu | Players with singles ranking 51-100 |
| Vasek Pospisil | Players with singles ranking 51-100 |
| Novak Djokovic | Chairman, All singles players |
| Stefano Travaglia | All singles players |
| Jamie Murray | Players with double ranking 1-100 |
| Bruno Soares | Players with double ranking 1-100 |
| Daniel Vallverdu | Trainer |
Rafael Nadal sees Novak Djokovic in duty
Federer has already exchanged views with Rafael Nadal without going into details. The Spaniard clearly criticized Djokovic's approach during the Australian Open . Instead, he wished to be asked for his opinion much sooner.
“When I was on the players' council, I always tried to approach the players. He is there now, so he has to come to me, ”said Nadal. In contrast to some other players, the 32-year-old is considered a supporter of Kermodes.
Vasek Pospisil: "We have no say"
For example, Vasek Pospisil, spokesman for those players with a ranking between 51 and 100, started an appeal to his colleagues a little over a month ago and spoke out clearly for changes.
“Together with our families, we sacrificed everything to become professional players. Although our sport is growing more and more, we have no say in our future, ”wrote the Canadian.
And further: "Our system is broken, and that has been the case since the introduction of the Open Era [1968, since then professionals at Grand Slams have been game-correct, note]. We need a chairperson who mainly defends OUR interests. ”
Gael Monfils: "We don't have much to say"
During the tournament in Dubai, Gael Monfils confirmed Nadal's impression that he hadn't noticed much of a possible vote on the part of the players. “It's difficult with so little lead time. The meeting is scheduled and boom - the decision has already been made. We don't really have much to say about what should happen, ”said the Frenchman.
He complained about the lack of exchange and information flow from the player council. "I think they want to improve communication a little," said Monfils hopefully. In Australia, for example, there would have been some disgruntled players who were "anything but happy" at being provided with just the information they needed.
Monfils would like a little more clarification of different points of view. "There are some who think that he is not doing a good job," said Monfils. "Okay, but why is that? Explain it to me in two minutes, and thanks, see you in Indian Wells. "
However, Monfils confirmed that Kermode usually leaves a professional impression in meetings with the players. "It looks like he's doing a great job."