Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer are most probably the best tennis players in history, but that doesn’t mean that they are on the same page on everything.
The Serbian sensation has just founded a new players’ association (the Professional Tennis Players Association) whose aim is not 100% clear. It’s obvious that the world no.1 has only good intentions and he wants to help especially low-ranked players that keep on struggling with their finance.
Novak has managed to get many players on board and he will be the co-chairman of the new association alongside Vasek Pospisil. However, not everyone agrees with the overall idea.
Why Nadal and Federer disagree with Djokovic
One of the main points of the people opposing Djokovic’s new association is that the world (and tennis) is already in so much trouble that cohesion and working together is the most important thing right now. Many complained about the new ATP leadership. The new ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi attracted criticism among some tennis players for refusing to take a pay cut during the pandemic and many were stunned for the fact that he didn’t show up in New York.
However, Federer and Nadal still think that unity is important. Nadal released the following communicate:
“The world is living a difficult and complicated situation. I personally believe these are times to be calm and work all of us together in the same direction. It is time for unity, not for separation. These are moments where big things can be achieved as long as the world of tennis is united.
We all, players, tournaments and governing bodies have to work together. We have a bigger problem and separation and disunion is definitely not the solution.”
Federer posted a message on Twitter where he agreed with Nadal’s statement saying:
“I agree @RafaelNadal. These are uncertain and challenging times, but I believe it’s critical for us to stand united as players, and as a sport, to pave the best way forward.”
Novak Djokovic in 2020
Ranked world no.1, the Serbian played his last match on the 29th of August when he beat Milos Raonic 1-6 6-3 6-4 in the final in New York to win his 79th career title.
During this season the Serbian has a 23-0 win-loss record. The Serbian conquered 3 titles in 2020 at the Australian Open, in Dubai and in New York.
Rafael Nadal in 2020
At the moment ranked no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 29th of February when he beat Taylor Fritz 6-3 6-2 in the final in Acapulco to win his 85th career title.
Currently, this year Nadal has a 13-3 win-loss record. Nadal conquered 1 title in Acapulco.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal played each other 55 times. The head to head is 29-26 for Djokovic. The last time that they fought against each other, Novak Djokovic won 6-2 7-64 in the final in Brisbane, Perth, Sydney (ATP Cup) on the 12th of January 2020.
Roger Federer in 2020
Ranked world no.4, Roger played his last match on the 30th of January when he surrendered to Novak Djokovic 7-61 6-4 6-3 in the semifinal of the Australian Open.
Roger Federer’s best result of this year was getting to the semi-finals at the Australian Open.
