Three-time grand slam champion has reiterated his backing for the ATP CEO Chris Kermode amid speculation that certain players are calling for his removal.
It has recently emerged that some aspects of the ATP Player Council are calling for a change of leadership. Vasek Pospisil, who is a member of council, has sent a letter to players ranked between 50-100. In it, he wrote that it is time to ‘start acting and running like a business not like a bunch of scared kids … we need a CEO that first and foremost represents OUR interests.’ Meanwhile, council president Novak Djokovic is keeping coy about the subject and Rafael Nadal said earlier this week he has not been consulted about the topic.
“Nobody from the council side came to me and asked me my opinion.” Nadal said following his first round win over James Duckworth.
“So I can’t have a real opinion on all of this, because no one of my representatives came to me and asked me if I am happy with the president or not.”
Kermode’s term as ATP CEO ends later this year. Leading to some players calling for his contract to not be renewed, however, more are lending their support behind him. Wawrinka has already written his own letter of support for Kermode. Stating that his removal would be counterproductive.
“I think I’ve been talking to a lot of players recently. I think they all see that right now it (the tour) is going the right direction with Chris Kermode.” Wawrinka said following his loss to Milos Raonic at the Australian Open.
“There is a lot of support about him in general. I think they talk about it a lot. There is maybe a few, little group of player that want to change completely. I don’t think is the best idea for the tennis.”
On Sunday there was the annual ATP Tour Presentation for players. It is at the event where it has been reported by sources that that Djokovic voted against keeping Kermode as chief. Although, unless the world No.1 says himself, it is impossible to verify the claim due to the secrecy of the meeting.
It is this secrecy that has left some players in the dark about what some may be plotting. Now light has been shed onto the topic due to the media interest, Wawrinka believes it will lead to a positive outcome.
“I think there is a lot of people who didn’t realize this was happening, and now I will say that more player getting involved to know exactly what’s going to happen, what’s not going to happen, what’s the best. Everybody is starting now to talk a little bit more about it.” He explained.
Due to his role as president, some are laying the blame solely with Djokovic. Asked his own opinion in Melbourne, Wawrinka partly disagreed with that viewpoint. Although pointed out that his friend should partly expect to bear the brunt.
‘No, I think he’s also the president of the council,’ Wawrinka said. ‘He’s the No. 1 player. He’s the best player into this council. So for sure, if you look, he’s at the head of the spot there.
‘But again, I think there’s for sure a lot of talk going on. I’m pretty sure nothing will happen here, so that’s mean there is also some stuff that are putting on stand, and that’s everybody can think about it. ‘We will see. I think we can only see what’s going to happen in the next few months.’
Now Wawrinka is out of the Australian Open, he has dismissed the idea that the revolt against Kermode could occur in his absence. Stating that the ‘next big meeting’ won’t happen until Indian Wells in March.
List of members of the ATP Player Council
1-50 Singles: Kevin Anderson – Vice President
1-50 Singles: Robin Haase
1-50 Singles: John Isner
1-50 Singles: Sam Querrey
51-100 Singles: Yen-Hsun Lu
51-100 Singles: Vasek Pospisil
1-100 Doubles: Jamie Murray
1-100 Doubles: Bruno Soares
At-Large: Novak Djokovic – President
At-Large: Sergiy Stakhovsky
Coach: Daniel Vallverdu
Alumni: Colin Dowdeswell
