Djokovic launches rival player body as tour unity shatters in New York

Australian Open king Novak Djokovic and Canadian Vasek Pospisil have resigned from the ATP Players Council.

Novak Djokovic has resigned as president of the ATP Players Council Picture: Getty Images

An extraordinary split in men’s tennis pitting Novak Djokovic against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal had its genesis in a fiery meeting in Melbourne two years ago.

Djokovic, in combination with Canadian Vasek Pospisil, has launched a new body in men’s tennis enacted to provide greater representation for players when negotiating with the ATP Tour and grand slam bodies.

The spirit of collaboration and co-operation evident when the tours shutdown in March has been shattered just weeks into its resumption on the eve of the US Open beginning Monday.

Djokovic, who was the President of the ATP Players Council, and fellow board member Pospisil immediately resigned from their positions on the current board.

The ATP Tour, born itself out of a player rebellion 30 years ago, is supposed to represent the interests of both the players and the tournaments.

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That amalgamation itself can create conflict given the goals can differ between the parties, with both driving to maximise profit.

Pospisil and Djokovic hope the new Professional Tennis Players Association helps to provide a fairer deal for competitors particularly those ranked above 100 who struggle.

An overwhelming favourite to win an 18th major title in New York, Djokovic first raised the proposal in a meeting with players in Melbourne in 2018 before the Australian Open.

ATP tour officials and Australian Open officials were reportedly ordered from the room at the time, with Djokovic among players determined to exact a greater balance in the disparity between revenues at grand slam tournaments and the prize money they offer.

At the time, the 17-time major champion said he was motivated to “contribute to a better sport today and in the future” by ensuring a greater percentage of revenue was paid towards prize money.

“Hopefully the next generation will even have a better sport,” he said.

Since then, there have been whispers about threats of potential strikes or tournament boycotts behind closed doors but this is a radical step forward.

The detail of how the new PTPA will operate with the ATP Tour and grand slams is far from clear, though Djokovic is adamant the new group will benefit current and future players.

Shortly after winning the Cincinnati Masters, which means Djokovic now has the extraordinary record of having claimed every top-tier ATP Tour title at least twice, the Serbian explained his motivation.

Good to be back 💪🏼 @CincyTennis @atptour #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/YZchYjgGIv

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 25, 2020

One answer lasting 968 words, according to a reporter present, did not exactly provide clarity.

But the PTPA, which is represented by Norton Rose Fulbright, a global legal firm with offices across Australia, stated it is not a threat to the current tour and believes the bodies will be able to work cohesively together.

ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi and his executive are far from certain this is possible, which is not surprising given its own formation or the events that have occurred over the last couple of years.

Having seen a group led by Djokovic and American John Isner effectively end the tenure of former chief executive Chris Kermode, a driving force of the lucrative ATP Cup played in Australia, Gaudenzi’s regime is less than nine months old but faces a significant challenge.

The agitation led by Djokovic against Kermode prompted Federer and Nadal to return to the Players Council last year and they combined again to urge caution on Sunday.

It seems no coincidence the move has occurred at a time those competing in the US are in a bubble of two hotels on Long Island while Federer and Nadal are absent for various reasons.

“The world is living (through) a difficult and complicated situation. I personally believe these are times to be calm and work for all of us together in the same direction. It is a time for unity, not for separation,” Nadal wrote.

“These are moments where big things can be achieved as long as the world of tennis is united. We all, players tournaments and governing bodies, have to work together. We have a bigger problem and separation and disunion is definitely not the solution.”

Federer used social media to back the stance of Nadal, stating unity was the key in “uncertain and challenging times”.

I agree @RafaelNadal. These are uncertain and challenging times, but I believe it’s critical for us to stand united as players, and as a sport, to pave the best way forward. https://t.co/foAmiLVrdV

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) August 29, 2020

The four grand slam bodies and the International Tennis Federation also urged caution, while the ATP Tour has written to its members.

There are clear flags. For one, the new body does not represent women.

That was enough for Andy Murray, who has always championed women’s sport, to state he would not be a party to the action, nor will fellow Englishman Dan Evans.