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PARIS: Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were on a collision course with Novak Djokovic on Saturday (Aug 29), calling for “unity, not separation” after their longtime rival superstar was expected to spearhead a separatist tennis union professionals.
The New York Times stated that the world’s number one Djokovic is expected to announce his resignation from the ATP players council chairmanship and help form the PTPA (Professional Tennis Players Association).
The PTPA believes that it is in a better position to defend the players in the world top 500 who have been severely affected by the coronavirus.
However, world number two Nadal pleaded with Djokovic to reconsider a getaway.
“The world is living in a difficult and complicated situation. Personally, I think these are times to be calm and to work together in the same direction. It is time for unity, not separation,” said the 19-time grand prize winner. .
“These are moments when great things can be achieved as long as the tennis world is united.
“All of us, players, tournaments and governing bodies, have to work together. We have a bigger problem and separation and disunity is definitely not the solution.”
20 Slam winner Federer quickly added his support for Nadal.
“I agree @RafaelNadal,” Federer tweeted. “These are uncertain and challenging times, but I think it is essential for us to be united as players and as a sport to pave the best way forward.”
Canadian world number 92 Vasek Pospisil announced on Friday that he would resign from the Players Council.
“It has become apparent that as a member of the player council within the current structure of the ATP, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to have any influence on any major decision on the circuit,” he wrote.
Djokovic is currently in New York, where he was playing the final of the relocated Cincinnati event on Saturday.
He is the big favorite for a fourth US Open title when the Grand Slam tournament begins on Monday.
However, defending champion Nadal is absent after choosing not to travel to the US for health reasons, while five-time US Open winner Federer has already canceled his season to recover from a Knee surgery.
