Paul McNamee, the tournament director of Australian Open, has slammed the ATP rule change to keep Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil out of the Player Council.

When Novak Djokovic quit Player Council in a huff

Formerly the president of the Player Council, Djokovic stepped down along with the Canadian tennis star back in September.

They floated a new body – Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTAPA).

Trending

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

‘Have Him F**King Walk Out with Rafa’- Andy Roddick Imagines Emotional Scenario That Brings Roger Federer Together with His Beloved Rival

April 24, 2024 12:02 PM EDT

‘Got Them a $92,000 Motor Home’- Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Rick Macci Reveals Lavish Money Spent Based on ‘King’ Richard’s Confidence

February 14, 2023 09:40 PM EST

Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance

April 23, 2024 04:07 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Djokovic had since voiced misgivings in his role in the Council, claiming neither he nor fellow members had any say in matters involving players.

However, the players recently nominated the Serb and the Canadian for a return to the Council, pointing to a growing chasm between the administrators and professionals on the circuit.

A bylaw change that kept out Novak Djokovic, Vasek Pospisil out of Council

The Serb claimed the ATP brought an overnight rule change barring anyone involved with a similar body from being a member of the Player Council.

Taking to Twitter, McNamee said the new rule goes against the very principles the ATP was founded on.

Australian Tennis Star Details Why Novak Djokovic Led PTPA Will Not Be Beneficial as ATP Players Council

He said the players must have the freedom to choose their representatives in the Council.

Rule change to deny Djokovic, Pospisil against ATP principles, says Australian Open director

“IMO (in my opinion) players must be entitled to choose their representatives…this was a foundation principle when ATP was formed as a true player association…no longer,” tweeted McNamee.

He is also the organizing head of the Hopman Cup and the Sofia Open.

He said the change in the ATP bylaw is worded in a manner to keep out players holding membership in “contrary associations or organisations”.

“The ATP bylaw change is worded to prohibit belonging to contrary associations or organisations so hard to pin down the businessmen, but puts hundreds of players ‘out of bounds’ for representation in their own Tour…I mean, really,” Mcnamee tweeted in response to a comment on his original post.

Pospisil has also hit out at the governing body for deliberately keeping him out of the Player Council.