Germany’s Alexander Zverev has hailed Novak Djokovic’s move to start a controversial Players Association that has split opinion in the sport.
Last Friday the world No.1 sent a letter to his peers urging them to sign up to a sort of union that he has co-founded with Vasek Pospisil. The Professional Tennis Players’ Association has been set up to help increase Players’ power and give them more of an influence when it comes to decision making. Those who have signed up to the PTPA include Denis Shapovalov, Matteo Berrettini and Sam Querrey. However, ATP Council members Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have voiced their opposition to the initiative in a statement by calling for ‘unity, not separation.’ Critics argue the new venture has a lot of unanswered questions.
Controversy aside, world No.7 Zverev says he appreciates the efforts taken by the 17-time Grand Slam champion to help men’s tennis. Zverev hasn’t signed up to the Djokovic-led association and it is unclear as to if he will do so in the future.
“I think it’s great that we can be more united. I have to give credits — whether somebody signs the paper or not, that’s in their decision. But I have to give credit to Novak and to Vasek, because a World No. 1 has more things to do than do some player association,” Zverev said following his second round win over Brandon Nakashima at the US Open.
“He has made enough money. He doesn’t need to worry about that. He doesn’t need to worry about anything, but he does. He does worry about the well-being of other players. He does worry about the wealth of our sport and stuff like that.”
“I think I have to give a lot of credit to him for taking the time and doing these things.”
Djokovic remains defiant about his move to form the association despite coming under heavy criticism from some. Following his win over Kyle Edmund on Wednesday in Flushing Meadows, the Serbian said he has no hard feelings towards his fellow members of the Big Three over their opposition to the move. Both Nadal and Federer have posted on social media arguing that ‘disunion is not the solution.’
“We have spoken about this project several times in the past,” said Djokovic. “I have reached out to them before we made it (the PTPA) official, before we gathered with all the players on the Grandstand.”
“They were very much aware of what is going to happen. I respect completely their choice that they don’t want to be involved in it at the moment. They don’t think it’s the right time. That’s fine. That’s their opinion. I disagree with that.”
The PTPA is legally backed by international law firm Norton Rose Fulbright and its chairman Walied Soliman. Djokovic says it has been formed to help address what he describes as a ‘flawed’ ATP structure. He has resigned from his position as president of the ATP Players Council following the announcement.
At least 30 players have signed up to join the PTPA, which is currently aimed at those in the top 500 in singles and the top 200 in doubles on the ATP Tour. Currently women have been excluded from the association but it is possible that could be involved at some stage in the future.
