German tennis great Boris Becker believes the idea of merging the ATP and WTA Tours is the logical ‘next step’ amid growing calls for the two governing bodies to unite in the future.
The hype surrounding the idea rapidly gained momentum after 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer tweeted his support for the motion on social media. Prompting fellow players such as Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova to also voice their support for such a move. Federer’s comment follows talks that have been going on behind closed doors about finding a way for the men’s and women’s tour to collaborate closely in the future. Discussions have been led by recently appointed ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi.
“There is a big opportunity for tennis but we can only grasp it if we work together as a group. This crisis could divide us further or unite us once and for all, I hope the latter will happen.” Gaudenzi recently told reporters.
Becker, who won six grand slam titles during his career, believes that a potential merger in the future would help strengthen the financial status of the sport. Speaking to Laureus.com, the 52-year-old believes the current COVID-19 crises provides a perfect opportunity for progress to be made on the matter. All ATP, WTA and ITF tournaments have been suspended until at least July 13th. Leaving players unable to earn money at present unless they have other income sources from elsewhere.
“Roger Federer started the ball rolling with his splendid idea of joining forces and I think Nadal agrees. Not every top guy agrees, that’s fine, but I think Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have a strong following. For Federer to suggest that, speaks for his intelligence and also that he truly cares about the game.” The Independent Online quoted Becker as saying.
In Becker’s view, he believes the motion is feasible due to the ‘progressive nature’ of tennis compared to other sports. There has been equal prize money at every grand slam tournament since the 2007 Wimbledon Championships.
“Think of the equal prize money we have in the majors. Men and women earn the same which I don’t think is happening in every sport. We are always progressive about going with the times, with equal rights, certainly on the tennis court,’ he commented.
“So a joint organisation – he meant ATP and WTA – would be the next step. It’s a big step. He suggested maybe having joint tournaments. We already have a few. In the US in Miami, you have men and women participating around the same time.
“The other ones, talking about the Masters series, are not there yet, but obviously would, in my opinion, be a step in the right direction. Once we get out of the tunnel, the new normal will be different. We still lie in a position to control the future if we get together and work together.”
The comments from the German echoes that of another former world No.1 who has also voiced his support, although for a somewhat different reason. Marat Safin has suggested that such a move would benefit the women’s tour because it is ‘unsellable’ without the likes of Serena Williams. The Russian suggests that such a move would make the sport more ‘attractive’ to sponsorship deals before adding that ‘men’s tennis rules in all kinds of ways.’
At present it is still fairly unlikely that such a merger would happen due to the complex process that would be involved. Although there is hope that some form of collaboration could occur in some format in the coming months. At present tennis currently has seven governing bodies – the ATP, WTA, ITF and a board from each of the four grand slams.
