Andy Murray joins chorus of calls for ATP-WTA merger, saying talks have been ‘very promising’

Andy Murray is the latest big-name player to throw his weight behind calls for a merger between the ATP and WTA, saying more players are starting to see the benefits.
Swiss great Roger Federer got the ball rolling in April when he took to Twitter to ask “Just wondering…..am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come together as one?”
Comment: Roger Federer calls for huge changes in tennis and he could lead the way
The 20-time Grand Slam winner has received a lot of support with the likes of Rafael Nadal, Simona Halep and Billie Jean King all backing the idea.
The legendary King, of course, has always been on the forefront of fighting for equality and during an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, three-time Grand Slam winner Murray paid tribute to American great King and expressed his backing for a joint Tour.
“This is something that Billie Jean has been wanting to happen for 40 to 50 years,” he told Amanpour. “She’s the one that really had the vision for all of this, so we need to remember that. I think it’s great if more of the male players are seeing it as a positive step for the sport.
He added: “When you have a lot of the top male players now starting to discuss and talk about it, that’s definitely very promising.
“When these discussions happen it’s quite important not just to see this merger through a man’s eyes and to bring more women into the decision-making positions so that everyone’s voice gets heard.”
King admits there are still a few things that need to be worked out, but says there is no concerns that the WTA will be the big loser should the merger goes ahead.
“I did have a chance to talk with Roger and he said the reason he even thought about this is because he finally had some space and time to reflect and think about the sport,” King said. “We have to stay together as a sport.”
She added: “The WTA would not be an acquisition. We’d be a full partner in this drive to make our sport better and more valuable.
“We are much stronger, as Andy said, if we’re together. We’re not competing within our sport like a lot of tennis people think. Our job is to be together so we can compete against other entertainment and sports.”
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Roger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis News
Iga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
News
Jamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis News
Battle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis Features
The only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin Palmer
Britain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis News
Lleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis Features
Five of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian Open
Five of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.