One of tennis’ most decorated players of all time believes Novak Djokovic’s decision to start The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) will not help the sport.
Martina Navratilova has hit out at the association which was co-founded and launched by the world No.1 shortly before the US Open. The PTPA is an individual body that aims to campaign for greater rights for players when it comes to decision making in the sport. However, the initiative has been heavily criticised by the ATP Players Council, which currently has both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on board. Djokovic was the president of the council before resigning to help start the PTPA.
Speaking about the initiative, Navratilova says she doesn’t agree with Djokovic’s choice and suggests he would be better focusing solely on his performance on the court. The Serbian has only lost three matches so far this season.
“He thinks he’s doing the right thing,” Navratilova told The Irish Times. “I don’t agree with it but it’s his choice. It certainly didn’t seem to help his tennis. I think you’re better off . . . Not staying in your lane, but right now give your energy to that which helps you. That’s what I don’t understand.”
Continuing her criticism, the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion has accused the PTPA of trying to divide the sport during a time when they should be united due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil, who is the other co-founder, have insisted that their organisation can exist alongside tennis’ governing bodies. Something others in the sport have disputed.
“Purely from a logical point of view, when you are a champion tennis player, when you commit to the sport, your energy goes into that. Maybe to get away, you watch TV, maybe you do some woodworking, maybe you get into stitching shawls. That helps you relax and it gives you energy,” she said.
“But starting this association? This is not helpful on any level. Do that when you stop playing tennis but it’s controversial and not helpful. During Covid, you’re trying to divide us further when we should be trying to bring the game together and trying to figure out how to play tournaments without people getting sick and dying from Covid? Let’s stay with that problem rather than creating one we don’t need.”
Navratilova’s comments echoes similar ones that were made by all seven governing bodies in a statement published back in August. In it they called for greater collaboration and not division.
“It is a time for even greater collaboration, not division; a time to consider and act in the best interests of the sport, now and for the future. When we work together, we are a stronger sport.” The statement reads.
Nevertheless, Djokovic has hit back at his critics with the argument that he and others need to have their own player-representation similar to other sports. It is estimated that more than 100 players have signed up to join the PTPA but the exact number is unclear.
“We don’t have the executive power now, and we might not have the executive power for quite some time, but we have to start from somewhere,” Djokovic told reporters in September.
“I don’t understand why there is so much resistance towards this association, especially from players. I have to say I’m unpleasantly surprised with some players thinking this is not good for our sport. I don’t agree.”
