Novak Djokovic reveals he spoke to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal about joining his new players union
Novak Djokovic reached out to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal before he formed his new players union, but the 20-time Grand Slam champions turned down his offers to get involved.
Djokovic quit the ATP Players Council in September while playing the Cincinnati Open to form the Professional Tennis Players’ Association, but Federer and Nadal did not want to join him.
“Before we have created PTPA I have spoken to both Roger Federer and Nadal and they did not want to take part in it. I’m not criticizing anybody, everyone is entitled to their own opinion,” stated the Serbian world No.1.
“Would I love it for them to join us? Of course I would. But we keep going.”
Djokovic went on to suggest opposition to his new union will not stop his ambitions to make a success of the venture.
“Given that there was a lot of resistance, that a lot of people tried to discourage us, we had a lot of blows in America, I just know people see it differently,” he added.
“I have already pointed out why it must exist. It did not just occur to us, but it is an idea that has existed for more than 20 years.
“Goran [Ivanisevic] is my coach, he was in the first generation that wanted to establish such an organization.
“There were more attempts, but due to various factors they failed. Tennis is a global sport, it is popular all over the world and it is very important.
“But on the other hand, tennis is out of the top 10 when it comes to exploiting its full potential.
“There is a problem, because there is a monopoly and a system that government for decades. When people are in ruling positions then it is not in their interest to change.
“I did not participate in founding the organization to oppose anyone. The goal is to represent the rights of tennis players, we know we have a long way to go.”
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