This year has witnessed some upheaval on the men’s side of tennis administration. The ATP board earlier in the year voted against renewing Chris Kermode’s contract which runs out in 2020. The decision kicked off some speculation of infighting in the running of the tennis body. Some months after the decision, rumors have begun circulating about the appointment of a new chairman.
Who is Andrea Gaudenzi
According to the Telegraph, the ATP board has appointed Andrea Gaudenzi as its new chairman. The Italian is a former professional player. He turned pro in 1990. In the course of his career, he won three titles. As a player his highest ranking was 18th. Gaudenzi currently serves on the board of ATP Media. He has a law degree from the University of Bologna and an MBA from the International University of Monaco. The 46-year-old will serve as the chairman and CEO of the ATP board.
The controversial oust of Kermode
The appointment comes after the ouster of Chris Kermode from the ATP in March this year. The professional players’ representative and the tournament representatives voted against renewing his contract beyond 2020. The decision to remove him from the position seemed like a political power struggle between the former CEO and player council president Novak Djokovic. The current world number one had accused him of siding with the tournament organizers when it came to the division of revenue between the players and the organizers. However, during his time as CEO, Kermode had overseen a continued increase in tournament prize money over the years. Many in the game saw former English player’s exit as orchestrated by Djokovic.
Federer, Nadal, Djokovic already in the ATP Player Council
The decision by the ATP to opt against renewing Kermode’s contract did not go down well with many in the game. Among those who were displeased with the decision were Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The two consulted each other and agreed that they would take up an active role in the administration of the game. In August Federer, Nadal, and Jurgen Melzer joined the players’ council. This was after Robin Haase, Jamie Murray, and Sergiy Stakhovsky resigned from their positions before the Wimbledon tournament. The new members to the council will serve for the remainder of the existing term which expires in 2020. Djokovic remains the head of the player’s council. The veteran players said they would provide their experience and expertise to the running of the tennis association.
Roger Federer’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.3, Roger played his last match on the 11th of October when he lost to Alexander Zverev 6-3 6-77 6-3 in the quarter in Shanghai.
This year the Swiss has a 45-8 win-loss record. Roger conquered 3 titles in 2019 in Dubai, in Miami and in Halle. Roger was the finalist in Indian Wells and in Wimbledon.
Rafael Nadal’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 8th of September when he defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-5 6-3 5-7 4-6 6-4 in the final in U.S. Open to win his 84th career title.
This year Nadal has a 47-6 win-loss record. Rafael conquered 4 titles in 2019 in Rome, at the French Open, in Montreal and at the U.S. Open. The Spaniard was the finalist at the Australian Open.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal played each other 42 times. The head to head is 26-16 for Nadal.
The last time that they squared off, Roger Federer won 7-63 1-6 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in Wimbledon in 12th July 2019.
Here the highlights.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal |
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