Multiple reports have surfaced that Novak Djokovic has unexpectedly urged players to support him in calls for the ATP Tour to increase their prize money after attending a key meeting on Monday.
It is understood that during an official ATP meeting, non-players were asked to leave the room before Djokovic spoke about his beliefs. Among those asked to leave was Chris Kermode, the CEO of the ATP. The Daily Mail reports that Djokovic took to the stage along with an Australian lawyer. The lawyer was present to help the Serbian explain his plans for the introduction of a ‘players union.’ Which would be a break away group from the ATP that represents them.
The main focus point of the speech was reportedly related to his belief that him and his rivals should get more money to keep in line with other sports. Djokovic was the first player in history to earn over $100 million in prize money during his career.
An estimated 150 players were present during the speech with some supporting Djokovic. It is reported that both Gilles Simon and Alexander Zverev has backed the plans. However, if proved to true, Roger Federer has voiced his opposition. A move that could potentially divide the entire sport. Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray were also in attendance, but it is unknown as to what their opinion is.
Should a players union be formed and friction is created over pay. There is a possibility that players may boycott ATP events, including grand slams, in a protest over pay. A prospect that is sending shivers down the spine of the ATP.
Few players are yet to comment on Djokovic’s speech with confusion remaining about what he actually said during the player-only meeting. At the Australian Open Kyle Edmund refused to comment on the matter and Matthew Ebden said that it ‘wasn’t about prize money.’
Ryan Harrison is the first high profile player to speak out to the media. According to The Mtero, the American has publicly backed calls for the implementation of a union on the men’s tour.
“‘What I can say is, as far as a union goes it would be good to have in the sense the people that represent us are also representing the tournament so it would be good to have someone with some form of representation that doesn’t have bias on the other side if that makes sense.” He said following his first round win over Dudi Sela.
“Not that we ever go against the tournaments but if we’re arguing for more prize money or for scheduling, to be able to have a voice for ourselves makes sense.”
There is yet to be any comment from Djokovic or the ATP.
What have the players said so far?
“It’s just a private meeting between the players. I’d rather not comment on that.” – Grigor Dimitrov
“I don’t know. I’m not really going to comment on that. I don’t want to.” – Kyle Edmund
“I haven’t seen or read or heard anything in the media of that. As far as the player meeting, whatever, there was nothing public about it. No, it was not about prize money as far as I’m concerned. Yeah, it wasn’t that. It was just a players meeting. Really, there wasn’t anything. Firstly, it wasn’t public. Second, it wasn’t about prize money.” – Matthew Ebden
