‘It is time for unity,’ says Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in response to Novak Djokovic-led PTPA breakaway

ATP Tour
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have voiced their opposition against the Novak Djokovic-led players association for men’s tennis players with Nadal saying “it is time for unity, not for separation”.

World No 1 Djokovic, Canada’s Vasek Pospisil and American John Isner announced the formation of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) on Saturday.

The trio were set to resign from their positions on the ATP Player Council, but they insisted they hope the PTPA can co-exist alongside the council.

ATP Tour chaos as Novak Djokovic, Vasek Pospisil, John Isner announce breakaway players association

“This is player association,” Djokovic said. “So we are not calling for boycotts. We are not forming parallel tours.”

World No 2 Nadal immediately sent a series of tweets insisting “separation and disunion is definitely not the solution”.

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

20-time Grand Slam champion Federer backed Nadal.

The Swiss wrote: “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.”

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Rafael Nadal Roger Federer

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