Rafael Nadal double downs on Novak Djokovic-led PTPA criticism: ‘We should not pursue our own interests’

Rafael Nadal is sticking to his guns over the Novak Djokovic-led breakaway Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA), saying “it’s not the right moment”.
Djokovic announced on the eve of the US Open that he, along with Vasek Pospisil and John Isner, would leave the ATP Player Council Board and form the new PTPA.
They insisted the new PTPA would co-exist alongside the ATP Player Council, saying “this is not a union. This is player association”.
However, world No 2 Nadal as well as 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer and Andy Murray confirmed that they would not be joining the PTPA with the former two insisting it is “time for unity”.
Nadal, who will return to action at the Italian Open this week, was again asked for his opinion on the issue in Rome on Monday.
“I understand the dissatisfaction of some athletes who signed the proposal, but there are many unanswered questions,” the 19-time Grand Slam winner said.
“I think it’s not the right moment. And even if we weren’t in the current situation, many things are not clear.”
He added: “There are a number of things that are not right. We are going through a world crisis in every aspect.
“It’s a difficult time for all of us, for players, for the organisers, for the whole tour. We should stick together, and not pursue each of us our own interests.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
News
Players were made aware of isolation risks on arrival to Australia – Craig Tiley
Forty seven players will have to remain in their hotel rooms for 14 days.
-
Australian Open
Andy Murray’s waiting game as anger mounts after tennis players fly in for Australian Open
Andy Murray is waiting to see if there is any way he compete in the Australian Open after testing positive for Covid-19.
-
News
Positive Covid cases on flights to Australia put 47 players in 14-day quarantine
Three people across two chartered flights carrying the Open hopefuls tested positive for coronavirus upon their arrival in Melbourne.
-
Tennis News
Bernard Tomic still has drive to compete, saying ‘I don’t need to play tennis again, I’ve got enough money’
“I’m risking my life, and I’m playing and competing.”
-
Tennis News
Dominic Thiem: ‘My wish for 2021 is to win a second Grand Slam title’
Dominic Thiem eyes a second Grand Slam trophy.
-
Australian Open
VIDEO and PICS: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams among tennis stars to arrive in Australia
This way for a video and pics of arrivals in Australia.
-
Australian Open
Official insists no special Australian Open treatment for Andy Murray after positive COVID-19 result
Andy Murray warned he won’t get preferential treatment.
-
Australian Open
Madison Keys latest player to miss Australian Open charter flight after testing positive for coronavirus
Madison Keys unlikely to play at Australian Open.
-
Australian Open
Andy Murray in race against time to play at Australian Open after testing positive for COVID-19
Andy Murray tests positive for coronavirus – report.
-
News
Andy Murray Australian Open appearance in doubt after positive test for Covid
Murray is hoping to be able to arrive in Australia at a later date.