Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal Open up on Chris Kermode Controversy

Following his victory of German player Peter Gojowczyk, Roger Federer was questioned about the dismissal of ATP chief Chris Kermode. He spoke of Novak Djokovic’s role in the whole issue. According to Federer, he wanted to meet with Djokovic but there was no time to meet in the week before the decision was taken.

Federer was only concerned about why it happened, and dealing with the aftermath. He wanted to know the motive behind the decision. Speaking to Swiss publication, Tages Anzeiger, he said, “I tried to meet Novak on the deadline (before the decisive meeting last week, Red). Unfortunately he had no time. That’s hard to understand for me. But it is okay. He certainly had a lot to do with the whole story. I asked him if he had time to meet me, it was so busy. He suggested that we see each other the day after – but everything was already decided. We have not met yet, and the tournament has started.”

Later, Rafael Nadal also spoke on the Chris Kermode saga as well, He mused, “i can’t say much bout ATP firing of Kermode. No one came to me. My choice was to b outside of politics, but disappointed no one came to me to explain the reason why we don’t have Kermode running r sport. The council members represent their opinions. Normally they ask players”

Djokovic has long been a petitioner for equal pay for players who are below the top 100. However, some feel that it is not viable because either players will have to take a pay cut or the tournaments do, according to some observers.

Whatever the case, the ATP world is heavily divided on the Kermode situation. Some players like Stan Wawrinka and Lleyton Hewitt have come out in support of Kermode, others feel like it is time for a change.