“The atmosphere between the players is good,” said the 34-year-old. “We are all very aware of the problems and in the Players Council we have tried to find the best solutions. Six hours ago we had a meeting. We are aware that tournament promoters must also survive.”
Tennis has endured many setbacks throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournaments have experienced no fans, the players have been required to live in biosecure bubbles, also there has been an overall dip in earnings throughout the board. Against that background, Rafael Nadal recently voiced the need for the tennis world to become united.
“If tournaments don’t do business there is no circuit. We are all rowing in the same direction. It is a very unique year,” the 34-year-old added.
At a press conference following his third-round success over Jordan Thompson in the Paris Masters, the Spaniard spoke of a mutual understanding between players and tournaments during this unique moment.
The barbarous decrease in prize money has led to large-scale financial struggles for tennis players. Those outside the top 50 are particularly affected since they are determined by championship appearances beyond the Grand Slams and Experts.
Rafael Nadal, nevertheless, insisted that the players know the problem and are working towards common objectives. Nadal’s assurances come through a time once the men’s tour appears at its most disjointed because of the creation of the ATP. Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil recently resigned from their positions on the ATP Players’ Council to make their own player’s association known as the PTPA.
After today’s successful meeting, we are excited to announce the beginning of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA). The first player only association in tennis since 1972. #PTPA pic.twitter.com/070TRKZ4xG
— Vasek Pospisil (@VasekPospisil) August 29, 2020
The move was supported by numerous men’s tennis players across the rankings spectrum but has also garnered scrutiny from renowned personalities and players in the game. Both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer condemned the move at the time and instead asked for unity among the tennis institution.
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.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) August 29, 2020
Rafael Nadal rejoined the ATP Players’ Council in August 2019 alongside Federer, on the ground that it might be better for the sport. And both of these have been vocal in their concerns regarding a different player’s marriage, claiming’we have a larger issue and separation and disunion is certainly not the solution.’Right now, Rafael Nadal has his sights set on a first title at the Paris Masters, where he faces compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta in the quarterfinal on Friday.
However, his role in the council along with his resistance to the PTPA could play a crucial part in the near future of these men’s tours, which is heading into another unsure 2021 season.
