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Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – The two tennis stars are not best friends right now. The two are in a clinch due to the balance of power in world tennis. The foundation of Djokovic’s players association, PTPA, is a thorn in Nadal’s side.
Even when the PTPA went public, Nadal was one of the first critics to call for unity on Twitter. In Rome he repeated several times that he thought little of Djokovic’s much-criticized “coup attempt”.
“There are a number of things that I don’t think are right. We are going through a global crisis in all aspects, from health to the economy. It is bad that we are divided at the moment ”, clarifies the 34-year-old in Rome. «I understand that we all want more in this life. But it is a difficult time for all of us, for the players, the organizers and the entire tour. At present, self-interest must prevail. “
Djokovic: “We are moving forward, we want respect”
The opinion of the world’s number 2 is clear and seems immovable. Djokovic doesn’t really care. “We are moving forward,” says the Serb in Rome. It is important that all players feel represented and contribute new ideas to the ATP. «We need an association that represents us. We want to be respected and we want our place at the table. “
The world number one claims that he had a long conversation with the ATP president, Andrea Gaudenzi. And he emphasizes that he does not want to fight or boycott the ATP. «We want to work together. Even with the players. Almost two hundred have already signed our proposal. “And women are welcome too.” It’s not just for men, that’s not true. We talked to some of the best players. “
Djokovic wants to convince Nadal
Djokovic wants to reach the stars above all else. He wants to try to bring Nadal to his side soon. “I haven’t talked to him yet, and I won’t while this tournament is going on,” Djokovic said in Rome. “Perhaps the ideal opportunity is next week in the days leading up to Roland Garros.”
However, by then it may actually explode. After all, Nadal – Djokovic is the pre-scheduled final in Rome. With the current thick air between the two of them, it would be a tingling poster in which he could vent a great deal of pent-up anger.
Papa Djokovic: “Be a man, Rafa”
Because the dispute has been burning for months. In January, the two met for the first time this year. After losing in the ATP Cup final to Spain to Serbia, Nadal accused Djokovic’s fans of disrespect.
The response to the attack came from Djokovic’s father, Srdjan. In the Serbian newspaper Telegraf he roared: “This has happened to Novak all over the world for 15 years and he never complains. Be a man, Rafa, take it easy and tell Novak: ‘Well done!’ »
