‘That could be the positive outcome of this’ – ATP chief backs Roger Federer plan to merge tennis Tours

Roger Federer Halle press conference PA

ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi has thrown his weight behind Roger Federer’s groundbreaking suggestion of merging the ATP and WTA.

Federer used his social media last week to put forward the suggestion for tennis to use the enforced coronavirus break to ‘come together’ and unite the men’s and women’s Tours under a single organisation.

Gaudenzi gave little away when asked, but did say he believed the time was right for some genuine cooperation.

“Managing the current scenario is extremely complex, especially because of the nature of our calendar, the nature of our business,” Gaudenzi said.

“But I’m optimistic in general, by nature, and I try to see the positive side which has been a tremendous collaboration with the other grand slams and the WTA and the ITF.

“So all the bodies coming together and discussing the calendar, the way forward, player relief, and many, many other topics.

“So that could be the positive outcome of this, that finally the governing bodies of tennis and the grand slams get together and work collaboratively on the long-term future of the sport.”

At present, there are no plans to resume either the ATP or WTA Tour until July.

Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.

Latest