Novak Djokovic Set to Form New Men’s Tennis Union to Protect Interests of the Players
Follow Us
The World No.1 Novak Djokovic has stormed into the final of the Western and Southern Open 2020. Djokovic beat Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in a dramatic three-hour semifinal. Novak took a medical timeout to address his nagging neck pain issue and looked visibly unfit.
Djokovic and the former top-30 ranked player Vasek Pospisil are trying to set up a union to represent men’s professional tennis players. In a letter emailed to players on Friday, it plans the formation of a Professional Tennis Players Association, abbreviated PTPA.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The aim behind the formation of the association is “to solicit support from players to form an association with a mandate to promote, protect and represent the interests of its players … and protect the future of tennis.”
The letter obtained by The Associated Press explained about men’s tennis professionals not having a representative body, unlike other sports. As per the current system, each player is considered an independent contractor. The proposal plans to build an association of men in the top-500 ranking in singles and top-100 rankings in doubles. A board of trustees with up to nine members elected annually will govern over the PTPA.
“The goal of the PTPA is not to replace the ATP but to provide players with a self-governance structure that is independent of the ATP and is directly responsive to player-members’ needs and concerns,” the email said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil receive support
The 2016 Wimbledon runner Milos Raonic has gone on record to say that he would sign the proposal. Raonic will face Djokovic in the final of Cincinnati on Sunday, after defeating World No.6 Stefanos Tsitsipas.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent
April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family
April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT
‘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
Madrid Open 2024: Leylah Fernandez vs Anastasia Potapova; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 25, 2024 01:16 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
The Canadian wasn’t happy with the decisions of the governing body over the last six months. He expressed his disappointment over the issue that executives part of the current governing body didn’t help tennis players with financial help. Many lower-ranked players faced financial problems because of tour suspension.
The PTPA envisages looking over multiple areas including tournament rules and regulations, revenue sharing, disciplinary actions, pensions, travel, on-site food and amenities, insurance, and medical care.