City
Epaper

Roger Federer suggests merger of ATP and WTA

By ANI | Updated: April 22, 2020 20:50 IST

Swiss tennis maestro Roger Federer on Wednesday suggested the idea of forming a unified governing body for the men's and women's tennis professionals.

Open in App
Swiss tennis maestro Roger Federer on Wednesday suggested the idea of forming a unified governing body for the men's and women's tennis professionals.

"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?" Federer wrote on Twitter.

Unlike many sports, one of the ancient sports of the globe has two different governing bodies based on gender.

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) deals with men's players while the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) looks after the female players.

Federer further explained that it should have happened much before but, as in the tough times of coronavirus pandemic has taught us to be united, this is the time to do it now.

"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 replied to a fan who opposed the idea.

Roman tennis player Simona Halep and former world number one Billie Jean King supported 20-time Grand Slam champion's idea.

"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," Billie Jean King tweeted.

The tennis season has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic and many scheduled tournaments are either postponed or cancelled. Wimbledon Open was cancelled for the first time since the Second World War due to the COVID-19.

( With inputs from ANI )

Tags: ATPRoger FedererTwitterSimona HalepTwitter twitterTwitter seva
Open in App

Related Stories

Social ViralLPG Cylinder Shortage in India Sparks Funny Meme and Desi Jugaad Fest on Social Media

EntertainmentThe Raja Saab Box Office Collection Day 13: How Much Did Prabhas’ Horror-Comedy Film Earn on Wednesday; Check Day-Wise Earnings Report

EntertainmentThe Raja Saab Box Office Collection Day 11: Prabhas’ Horror-Comedy Film Crosses Rs 140 Crore in India; Check Day-Wise Earnings Report

EntertainmentThe Raja Saab Box Office Collection Day 10: How Much Did Prabhas’ Horror-Comedy Film Earn on Its 2nd Sunday; Check Day-Wise Earnings Report

EntertainmentThe Raja Saab Box Office Collection Day 8: Prabhas’ Horror-Comedy Film Earns Rs 3.50 Crore on Its 2nd Friday in India; Check Day-Wise Earnings Report

Tennis Realted Stories

TennisPrepared and confident India ready to begin Billie Jean King Cup campaign against Thailand

Tennis"Big event": DLTA President Rohit Rajpal on hosting Billie Jean King Cup 2026 Asia/Oceania in Delhi

Tennis"Tough group": India's Vishal Uppal on challenge in Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania

Tennis"Going to be tough": Matthew Hair on India challenge in Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania

TennisRavi Bopanna extends best wishes to India women's team for Billie Jean King Cup