Rafael Nadal Backs Chris Kermode Ahead Of ATP Presidency Vote - UBITENNIS

Rafael Nadal Backs Chris Kermode Ahead Of ATP Presidency Vote

Rafael Nadal has backed Chris Kermode ahead of Thursday's ATP Presidential Vote.

By Tony Fairbairn
3 Min Read

Rafael Nadal has warned players and organisers not to oppose Chris Kermode ahead of the ATP Presidency vote. 

A six man panel will decide whether Chris Kermode will remain president of the ATP when they have a board meeting in Indian Wells on Thursday.

Three tournament organisers and three players from the players council will decide fate, with Novak Djokovic expected to have a big say.

Kermode needs the backing of two organisers and two players to keep his ATP presidency. Despite many players wanting change, Rafael Nadal has warned against the move.

The 17 time grand slam champion told a group of reporters on Wednesday that a change would “stop the process of improving the sport.”

“I believe in long-term projects. “I am not a very big fan of changing things very often. I really think there’s a lot of things to do – we need to sign a contract for the world tour finals and there’s a new ATP Cup.”

The 32 year-old also believes that Kermode has done a good job and therefore has earned his place at the helm for a little longer, “I personally believe Chris did a good job,” Nadal explained.

“He is a good guy, who did good things for our sport and it would be good if he stays for a while more.  new president needs time to know all the things and create a team, so in my opinion changing the president will stop the process of improving our sport.”

Although players like Vasek Pospisil believe that not enough money is given to players in comparison with the money generated by the ATP.

One of the big controversies about Thursday’s vote is that Justin Gimelstob who is still facing a felony charge will be allowed to vote on Kermode’s future today.

This doesn’t provide tennis with the greatest of looks as Kermode fights to stay on the top of the ATP hierarchy. As for Rafael Nadal he prepares to face Tatsuma Ito or Jared Donaldson in his first match in Indian Wells on Sunday.

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