After his win against Kyle Edmund, Novak Djokovic reveals that he informed Federer and Nadal before the announcement of the formation of a players’ association.
03.09.2020
–
–
—
After defeating Kyle Edmund, Novak Djokovic points out that the idea of a players’ association is several generations old. The Serb doesn’t want to know anything about going it alone.
The reactions were fierce when Novak Djokovic announced shortly before the start of the US Open, to found a new players’ association (PTPA) and therefore to step down as President of the Players’ Council. In particular, the ATP criticized the project, the players’ council wrote a letter to the tennis professionals and the figureheads Federer and Nadal stand up on twitter against the idea.
Above all, the timing of the start-up is criticized, and the players’ council also writes of a lack of transparency: “If the purpose is to represent the interests of all players, why were so many players not included at all? Why wasn’t the players’ council even asked? ”Says one of Federer, Nadal, Kevin Anderson, Sam Querrey, Jürgen Melzer and Bruno Soares signed letter.
«Not a new project»
Novak Djokovic attends the press conference after his game against Kyle Edmund, which he decided for himself in four sentences, Position. «We have the best of intentions for the players. That’s the only intention we have. We don’t want to fight anyone. We don’t want to fight for existence with the ATP, the ITF or any other umbrella organization. I think there is room for a player organization – there has always been a place for that », the world number one, who is unbeaten in 25 games this year, is convinced.
Because the idea of a players’ association separated from the ATP is by no means new. «It’s not a new project. This has been around for over 20 years. Different generations of gamers have tried to take this final step and legally form a gamblers association. We are only building on what the previous generations have tried. ” Nevertheless, the project has been presented to the public as a completely new idea in the last few days. “Like something that is disruptive to the tennis ecosystem – at least according to the statements of the ATP,” says Djokovic.
—
He explains the resistance as follows: “It’s just that at the moment there are obviously people who just don’t want that, because there is a certain structural system that protects them. I understand that.” Nevertheless, he does not allow himself to be deterred from his plan – on the contrary: “I primarily represent the rights of the players. That will give them a platform and a stronger voice, which I think is very important. (…) We are very motivated to do our best. We are happy that more players are registering every day. “
“The time is always right for a player agency”
The 17-time Grand Slam winner doesn’t want to know anything about going it alone. Federer and Nadal were also informed. “I approached her. We have spoken about this project several times in the past. I told them before we made it official and gathered in the stands with all the players. I think it was last Saturday. They knew very well what was going to happen, ”says the 33-year-old.
Of course, he accepts that the two are not (yet) joining. Djokovic does not at all share their fear that it may be the wrong time to split off. «That is your opinion. I don’t agree with that, “he makes clear and adds:” The time is always right for a player agency – even in the last 20 years. Somehow it never really came about, but it is now. We’re moving forward. “
Novak Djokovic does not want to know anything about going it alone with regard to the founding of the PTPA players’ association.
Image:Getty
Despite all the criticism, there is also support for Djokovic – especially from the players. Around 60 professionals are said to have already joined the PTPA. “I haven’t signed yet, but I think it’s great that the players want to get together,” says Alexander Zverev, for example, and praises Djokovic for his commitment: “He’s made enough money, he doesn’t have to worry about it. He doesn’t have to worry about anything, but he does. He is concerned about the wellbeing of the players. (…) I have to give him a lot of credit for that. “
