Rafael Nadal Bemused By Lack Of Communication Over Motion To Oust ATP Chief - UBITENNIS

Rafael Nadal Bemused By Lack Of Communication Over Motion To Oust ATP Chief

The former world No.1 has launched an attack on the ATP Players council over their failure to speak with him concerning the future leadership of men’s tennis.

By Adam Addicott
4 Min Read
Rafael Nadal (zimbio.com)

17-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal has hit out at his fellow competitors over an apparent motion to change the leadership of the ATP World Tour.

Last week an email sent from Vasek Pospisil, who is a member of the ATP Players Council, was published in which he called for the removal of ATP CEO Chris Kermode. In a strongly worded piece sent to players ranked 50-100, Pospisil 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.” At the annual council meeting on Sunday in Melbourne, it has been reported by the Australian Associated Press (AAP) that Novak Djokovic has voted against renewing Kermode’s contract. Although this hasn’t been officially confirmed.

Whilst there appears to be a revolt occurring behind the scenes, Nadal has blasted the council, who he was previously a member of, for not consulting him about the motion.

“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.”
“I understand that somebody from the council should come to me and ask my position. But I know it’s not always happening.”

When asked if he would seek out Djokovic to speak about the issue, the world No.2 insists that it is not his duty to do so. Arguing that the world No.1 has to come to him. A vote regarding the future president of the ATP will take place later this year.

“He’s (Djokovic) in the council or all the players are on the council, they have to come to me. That’s why they are in the council and I am not in the council anymore. When I was on the council, that was me, I have to go to the players and ask their opinions. It’s not my work anymore.”

When asked for his own opinion about Kermode, Nadal has backed him. Following in the footsteps of Stan Wawrinka and Nick Kyrgios, who have both previously expressed their support. Kermode has been the CEO since November 2013.

“I believe that Chris probably did some good work out there, and I don’t see him doing negative things or enough negative things to not continue in the position.” He said.
“Today probably he knows all the situation of the world of tennis better than a new person that should come and will lose a period of time knowing all the things.”

The AAP has reported that a majority of 5-4 have voted to seek a new ATP Chief at the annual players’ council meeting. Although this hasn’t been confirmed.

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