Montreal: World No.2 Rafael Nadal said that he and long-time rival Roger Federer have made a joint decision to stand for the ATP Player Council.
The 33-year-old Spaniard, an 18-time Grand Slam singles winner, confirmed the choice by the pair of icons at the ATP Montreal Masters tennis tournament after reaching the quarterfinals by beating Argentina’s Guido Pella 6-3, 6-4 here Thursday.
Roger Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam singles champion, and Rafael Nadal were elected by fellow players to fill two of the vacancies caused by the resignations of Robin Haase, Jamie Murray and Sergiy Stakhovsky prior to Wimbledon.
“We decided to be together out there,” Nadal told reporters. “I will not be alone there. He will not be alone there. Both of us can (combine to) be a good power, good help for the sport in some way — hopefully in a better way. We are here to help and to know a little bit better what’s going on. Last year have been some up and downs in a lot of things,” added the Spaniard.
Controversy has arisen over the past months concerning various issues, with ATP Council president Novak Djokovic often on the opposite side of discussions from Nadal and Federer.
The World No.1 Serb has clashed with many fellow players with disagreements centred on the decision to dispense with the services of ATP chief executive Chris Kermode, a popular figure in tennis.
An ATP spokesman said that Nadal and Federer, who turned 38 Thursday, will begin their roles with immediate effect and will serve until the end of the existing term, which runs through to Wimbledon next year.
“There have been some) tough moments in terms of discussions – a lot of important things to have to be done,” Nadal said in vague reference to various ATP situations.
“I will try and give my opinion after more than 15 years on the tour. I can probably give a different perspective on how the game has to be or things that we can add. It’s just trying to help the game to be better. If I am there, I believe that I can be helpful,” added Nadal.
AFP
