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World number one Novak Djokovic has resigned as chairman of the ATP players council to spearhead a new association with the aim of increasing player power.
But he faces opposition from Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who remain on the council.
The first players to sign up for the Professional Tennis Players Association met Saturday at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, where the US Open begins Monday.
Between 60 and 70 players posed for a photo posted on social media by Canadian Vasek Pospisil, who has been a promoter of the new partnership together with Djokovic.
Djokovic first raised the idea of a players union at the 2018 Australian Open. Since then, several of his peers have been campaigning for a greater share of the revenue generated by the Grand Slams, in particular.
“I have read in the ATP letter that they believe that the ATP cannot coexist with this association. I have to respectfully disagree,” Djokovic said after winning the Western and Southern Open on Saturday.
“Legally, we are 100% safe and we are allowed to form the players association. We are not asking for boycotts, we are not forming side tours. This is an important step for the players and also for the sport.”
“We just want to have our own organization, which is 100% ours. We are definitely going to try to work with ATP and with all the governing bodies.”
The number two in the world, Nadal, who is not playing in the US Open, He had already made his opposition clear in a post on social media.
“The world is experiencing a difficult and complicated situation. Personally, I believe that these are times to be calm and to work together in the same direction,” said the Spaniard.
“It is time for unity, not for separation. These are moments when great things can be achieved as long as the world of tennis is united.”
Shortly after, Federer, who is also absent from New York, shared Nadal’s post, adding: “I agree. These are uncertain and challenging times, but I think it is critical for us to be united as players and as a sport to pave ourselves.” the best way forward. “
Since the ATP Tour came to life in 1990, players and tournaments have, in theory, had the same voice. There are three player representatives and three tournament representatives on the ATP board. If there is a deadlock, the president has the right to a casting vote.
Andrea Gaudenzi, a former top 20, assumed the presidency in January. Disappointment in their performance is one of the reasons Wimbledon 2016 runner-up Milos Raonic will join the new association.
“Many of us were kept in the dark by our leadership for six months,” said the Canadian.
“We were disappointed with many things. As tennis players, we did not make a penny for months and months. But our executives stayed at home and did not feel the need to accept pay cuts.
“We have a former player directing us. I hope they will step up and work a little more with the players as we would have expected from a former player.”
But UK number one Dan Evans told BBC Sport that he will not sign up.
“It’s not a good time, and I don’t believe what they’re saying, to be honest,” he said.
“Many players do [seem to be in support], but without much information. Tennis players are fun – once you mention a little money, they seem to go down that path.
“We just have to be a little careful what we could turn the tour into if this happens.”
At last year’s US Open, the idea of an association of male and female players was gaining momentum. The fact that this is a men-only company is one of the reasons British Andy Murray is yet to join.
“I am not totally against a players union,” said the former world number one.
“But I feel like the current administration that’s in place should have some time to implement their vision, and I feel like that would send a much more powerful message if the WTA agreed as well.”
In a statement, the ATP Tour said: “We recognize the challenges our members face in the current circumstances. However, we firmly believe that now is a time for unity, rather than internal division.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver on our players in all areas of our business, ensuring that they receive the maximum benefit from their years on the Tour and that their voices are heard.”
They were also supported by the WTA, ITF and the four Grand Slams, who said in a statement: “It is a time for even greater collaboration, not a division; a time to consider and act in the best interest of the sport.” , now and in the future. When we work together, we are a stronger sport. “
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