Djokovic, Federer and Nadal could face opposition to proposals to support lower-ranking players

Novak Djokovic and his fellow superstars may face opposition to their proposals to help rescue lower-ranking players during the force lock.

The world number 1 has sent a letter, endorsed by Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, to other players in the top 100 asking them to donate to those classified between 250 and 700.

While sympathy for the broad sentiment will be widespread, reaching a universal agreement may not be easy.

Novak Djokovic has asked the top ranked players to support those ranked 250-700.

His letter to his competitors has been endorsed by both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

A source with insight into the thinking of several of the top 100 players questioned how well the idea would be received.

Djokovic has proposed that the top five contribute $ 30,000 (£ 24,000) each, down to $ 5,000 (£ 4,000) for the 50-100 ranked. He suggested that if the ATP Finals are held in London, half of the prize money should go to a relief fund. The idea is for low-ranking men to receive $ 10,000 (£ 8,000) each.

Among the questions that are likely to be asked are: What if a player would rather donate to a health charity? What if they are already helping their own staff without receiving money?

An elephant in the room is the great wealth of the first three, for whom the laudable gesture is a small change.

Prominent commentator and former British number 1 Mark Petchey tweeted: ‘You don’t have to be an economist to figure out the percentages are flawed. The whole concept is very noble, but the guy who got 700 last year in the ranking won $ 9,000 in prizes. Getting a check for $ 10,000 is like Christmas.

Will you give (the ex-top 20 players, now low-ranking) Jack Sock and Chung Hyeon $ 10,000?

John Millman raised the question why a pandemic has been needed to help players ranked 250-700

World No. 43 John Millman got to the heart of the matter when he said on social media: ‘If the concern is to help players ranked 250-700 in the world, why did it take a global pandemic to realize this? ? Surely over the many years of high-level prize money increases, we should have spread the spread a little more. ‘

Meanwhile, ideas for spectatorless live exhibition events are already emerging to fill the tennis void.

Nadal has been in contact with the ATP Tour exploring the idea that the best professionals will train at his academy in Mallorca and then play games behind closed doors.

Nadal has recently been exploring the idea that the best professionals will train at his academy

High-profile coach Patrick Mouratoglou has a similar scheme for his academy in Nice, with a scheduled start date of May 16.

Before that, there are plans for unofficial matches in Germany between players ranked outside the top 100.

The Tennis Integrity Unit will be attentive to all events, since it has issued an alert that those who arrange matches will be attentive to opportunities.