Roger Federer sent Twitter crazy with his idea to merge the tennis bodies
Roger Federer was backed by Rafael Nadal after he called for a merger of the tennis governing bodies ATP and WTA.
The response has been mixed with a few admitting that they are against such a move. Federer had earlier on Wednesday proposed the new idea of the merger by taking to Twitter.
According to the Swiss genius, it was the right time to unite the two bodies under one umbrella organisation.
Federer tweeted, kickstarting a variety of responses and arguments.
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?
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 22, 2020
I am not talking about merging competition on the court, but merging the 2 governing bodies (ATP and WTA) that oversee the men’s and women’s professional tours….
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 22, 2020
Federer’s tweet was met with a lot of mixed responses from the tennis community. Many including co-stars Nadal, Simona Halep, and Garbine Muguruza came in support of the former World No.1’s claim.
Meanwhile, Australian Nick Kyrgios was one of the few stars, who openly stated his disagreement with the proposed merger.
Hey @rogerfederer as you know per our discussions I completely agree that it would be great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men's and women's tennis in one only organisation 🎾👍🏻 https://t.co/fTCfvMiU4G
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) April 22, 2020
You are not the only one 😊
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) April 22, 2020
Yes, would be a good idea https://t.co/Xu9AXLFX7z
— Garbiñe Muguruza (@GarbiMuguruza) April 22, 2020
I agree 100% ! Tennis needs to be one tour. BOTH are stronger together and that’s a fact. Less divisiveness and dilution! A few less tournaments, more time off for both tours and more money in bigger events that can trickle down to lower ranked players…..the list is endless!
— Rennae Stubbs 🇦🇺👍🏼 (@rennaestubbs) April 22, 2020
We shouldn’t merge
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) April 23, 2020
Kyrgios is one of the more vocal members of the tennis fraternity. He has an ongoing rivalry with Nadal and also tweeted on asking the others about the merger.
Did anyone ask the majority of the ATP what they think about merging with the WTA and how it is good for us?
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) April 22, 2020
The Australian didn’t elaborate on why he was against the merger. However, Kyrgios isn’t someone who keeps his thoughts to himself.
Covid-19 has affected sports around the world. Thousands have lost their lives to the virus and it is still spreading in several countries.
The ATP and WTA came up with a joint-decision to halt all activities in the wake of the pandemic coronavirus crisis.
King offers support to merger
Former World No. 1 Billie Jean King founded the WTA in 1973. This was done as a response to gender discrimination in tennis.
I agree, and have been saying so since the early 1970s. One voice, women and men together, has long been my vision for tennis.
The WTA on its own was always Plan B.
I’m glad we are on the same page.
Let’s make it happen. #OneVoice
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) April 22, 2020
King, a pioneer of women’s tennis has always been one of the most vocal players the game has ever produced. The former American also supported Federer’s idea and revealed that it was her dream to unite the two bodies.
Meanwhile, one of the greatest women’s tennis players of all time, King is the winner of a massive 39 Grand Slam titles.
The merger could be a great move for the future of tennis. Joining the ATP and WTA would ensure better communication for their stars. It might also feature more mixed-gender matches and tournaments too.
Many lower-ranked stars have also spoken out about monetary problems at the moment.
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