The decision by Rafael Nadal to join the ATP Player Council was one he did will the full backing of rival Roger Federer.
On Thursday it was announced that the 18-time grand slam champion will be joining the council amid months of turmoil surrounding men’s tennis. Disagreements over the removal of ATP CEO Chris Kermode, Justin Gimelstob’s behaviour before his resignation and money has marred the ATP Tour. Leading to the president of the council, Novak Djokovic, coming under fire for his alleged involvement in Kermode’s removal.
Nadal enters the council in a pact with Federer, who he said he made a joint-decision with to join. The announcement comes after both men have criticised the council. Earlier this year, Nadal said there was a lack of communication and went as far as saying that his group of peers ‘probably didn’t do the right job’ concerning the Kermode debate. Meanwhile, Federer has also expressed similar comments.
“We decided to be together out there,” Nadal said following his 6-3, 6-4, win over Guido Pella at the Rogers Cup. “I will not be alone there. He will not be alone there.
“Both of us can (combine to) be a good power, good help for the sport in some way — hopefully in a better way.
“We are here to help and to know a little bit better what’s going on. Last year have been some up and downs in a lot of things.”
The appointment of the duo was made by the Council with the existing members voting in favour of them joining. They replace a series of player’s who have recently resigned following a seven-hour meeting shortly before the Wimbledon Championships. Nadal is representing players ranked in the top 50 and Federer has an ‘at large’ status. Which Djokovic also has.
Speaking about the current status of men’s tennis, Nadal said there is ‘a lot of important things to be done.’ However, he didn’t elaborate on what those were. It is possible that there could be clashes between the big three over the direction of where the sport is heading.
“(There have been some) tough moments in terms of discussions — a lot of important things to have to be done,” Nadal said.
“I will try and give my opinion after more than 15 years on the tour. I can probably give a different perspective on how the game has to be or things that we can add.
“It’s just trying to help the game to be better. If I am there, I believe that I can be helpful.”
Signs of hope
The announcement has been one welcome by fellow rivals on the tour. Both Nadal and Federer have previously served on the council. Vasek Pospisil, who is another member of the council, told The New York Times he believes a lot can be accomplished with the three biggest names of the sport working together.
“These guys, along with Novak, they’re the three greatest players of all time, and that carries a lot of weight,” Pospisil said. “If they’re aligned and in the same boat with the same goals in mind, there’s a lot that can be accomplished.”
Jamie Murray has also hailed the development. Murray was one of three former members to resign along with Robin Haase and Sergiy Stakhovsky. Citing a frustration with ‘people out for their own gains’.’
“Massive shout out to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for stepping up to join the ATP Player Council,” he tweeted.
“Despite the sport’s current success, we live in chaotic times. My biggest achievement in the Council may well prove to be being part of the group of resignations that presented the opportunity for this to happen. Good luck!”
There are now five top 10 players in the ATP Council. The first meeting featuring Nadal and Federer will take place shortly before the US Open.
ATP Player Council in full
- 1-50 Singles: Kevin Anderson (VP), John Isner, Rafael Nadal, Sam Querrey
- 51-100 Singles: Yen-Hsun Lu, Vasek Pospisil
- 1-100 Doubles: Jurgen Melzer, Bruno Soares
- At Large: Novak Djokovic (P), Roger Federer
- Alumni: Colin Dowdeswell
- Coach: TBD
