Roger Federer calls for ATP, WTA tennis merger after coronavirus

Roger Federer has won 20 Grand Slam titles to date
AFP via Getty Images
Matt Davies22 April 2020

Roger Federer has called for one unified governing body in tennis following the coronavirus pandemic, meaning that the men's and women's games would no longer operate under distinct associations.

Tennis is currently split between the ATP (men's) and WTA (women's) tours, both of which are suspended due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis until July 13 at the earliest.

BBC Sport reports that talks are already underway between the tours as to how they can "collaborate in certain areas", while ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi last week described the cooperation as "a no-brainer."

Federer - who is currently isolating at home in Switzerland - urges tennis to return with a united front, arguing now is the perfect time for the men's and women's games to come together.

He tweeted: "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?

"I am picturing a merger between the WTA and ATP.

"I am not talking about merging competition on the court, but merging the 2 governing bodies that oversee the men's and women's professional tours....

"It probably should have happened a long time ago, but maybe now is really the time.

"These are tough times in every sport and we can come out of this with 2 weakened bodies or 1 stronger body."

Federer's comments drew significant backing from a number of fellow tour members, including 19-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal.

The Spaniard tweeted: "Hey Roger Federer 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."

Billie Jean King - who won 39 grand slam titles during her career - also replied, saying: "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."

Reigning Wimbledon women's singles champion Simona Halep also said: "You are not the only one."

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