Novak Djokovic Admits He Would ‘Love’ Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to Join the PTPA

Published 10/22/2020, 9:06 AM EDT

The PTPA (Professional Tennis Players Association) is a proposed association of male and female tennis players. Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil are its two founders. Recently, the World No.1 expressed his desire of having Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as members of the PTPA. In a press conference, the Serbian said that he would love to have both his rivals in the association.

“Before we created PTPA I have spoken to both Federer and Nadal. They did not want to take part in it. I am not criticizing anybody, it is a democratic world we live in…Would I love for them to join us? Of course, I would,” said the 33-year-old Djokovic.

From @DjokerNole 's press conference, happening now:
Before we created PTPA I have spoken to both Federer and Nadal & they did not want to take part in it. I am not criticising anybody, it is a democratic world we live in…Would I love for them to join us? Of course I would.
— Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) October 22, 2020

Article continues below this ad

Djokovic respected their opinions for not joining the association earlier. But, he hinted that he would welcome them both whenever they wished to join his initiative.

The PTPA is a player’s union which will represent the interests of tennis professionals. Both Federer and Nadal have refused to be a part of this association because they believe that a pandemic is not the right time for creating a rival players’ bloc.

Why do Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil feel that the PTPA is important?

The players led by Djokovic and Pospisil argue that they are not legally protected at the moment. The ATP gives the players no legal protection, something that the PTPA seeks to correct.

Interestingly, ATP has refused to accommodate the PTPA as the body believes that such a thing is not viable. However, Pospisil is sure that the two bodies can co-exist easily.

Article continues below this ad

He extends his arguments by assuring that the approach of the PTPA will not be combative, and it would complement the work already being done by the ATP.

The tennis world is surely facing a dissidence at the moment. Some are in favor of the PTPA, while others simply feel that there is no need for such an association. Djokovic and Pospisil have even ensured that female players would also be a part of the PTPA.

There is an on-going debate on whether PTPA would get the approval or not. It will be intriguing to see whether the side led by the World No.1 would be able to convince the authorities.

Article continues below this ad

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Anshul Singh is a tennis author at EssentiallySports, currently pursuing Journalism Honors from Delhi University. Having significant experience with content, Anshul has authored over 500 tennis articles. He has previously worked as a writer and an editor for DU Express, penning riveting articles on sports, politics, and culture.

Novak Djokovic Admits He Would ‘Love’ Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to Join the PTPA

Why do Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil feel that the PTPA is important?

Trending

Madrid Open: Disappointed Coco Gauff Fans Demand Rightful Streaming of Her Intense Encounter Against Madison Keys

‘RIP Beautiful’ – Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Mourns 15-YO Teenager’s Tragic Death Who Succumbed to Prolonged Bullying

Roger Federer Makes Vacation Debut in Exotic Nation With Wife Mirka and Children as Family Continues to Be Top Priority

Madrid Open: Rafael Nadal’s Wife Maria and Sister Mariabel Burst Into Tears After Hearing His Farewell Speech In-Front of Home Crowd

Madrid Open: Tennis Fans Caught Aryna Sabalenka’s New Boyfriend. Here’s Everything You Need to Know about This Brazilian Businessman