World No.1 Novak Djokovic has insisted that his plan to help set up a players union is not stalling and says there is a growing amount of support for the initiative.
The 18-time Grand Slam champion is the co-founder of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) which is an independent body that campaigns for players to have a greater say in the decision making process. The organisation has prompted some backlash with the ATP player Council, whose members include both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who previously urged their peers not to join. Arguing that it divides the sport and the PTPA’s objectives are unclear.
Providing an update on the development of the independent body, Djokovic says the movement has been backed by a couple of what he describes as ‘very wealthy and influential people’ who are fans of tennis. He didn’t name who those people are or what their exact involvement is. Although they are participating in all conference calls they are having.
“They are helping us create the structure and the foundation of PTPA that will be exactly what we imagine it to be, the association that will represent the players’ rights as best as possible,” Djokovic said following his first round win at the French Open.
As for the viability of the organisation, the Serbian claims that out of 500 players, at least 75% have said they will back it. The 500 is made up of the top 350 singles players and the top 150 in the doubles from the men’s Tour. Djokovic argues that the aim of the PTPA is to collaborate with tennis’ governing bodies.
“We did have a few conversations with ATP, but until we set everything up, I think in terms of structure of and the legislation of PTPA, there is no reason to extend the talks with ATP for the moment because we are constructing everything,” he explains.
“When we are ready, we will reach out and try to find a mutual language and common ground with everyone. (The) PTPA, as a players organization, needs to co-exist in the tennis ecosystem with the ATP, WTA, and all the other entities in sports and all the other institutions.”
It is also understood that plans for women to join the initiative are still on the cards but progress has slowed down in recent times. Djokovic says he has ‘reached out’ to players on the WTA Tour but admits it is slow progress.
One of the key players for the PTPA could be former US Open champion Sloane Stephens who is currently sitting on the WTA Player’s Council. Tennis.com reported that the American, along with Madison Keys, helped initially recruit WTA support for the cause.
“I think that they are still working and trying to figure out what ways work best for them to move forward,” Stephens said following her first round win at the French Open.
“I think it will be interesting to see what happens with it, but I don’t know exactly where they are with what’s going on now,” she added.
Djokovic says that over the coming months there will be ‘changes and news’ about the PTPA but has given no hint as to what that may be.
