2020 ATP General News

[Kieran]

I don't understand or see the need for this new players union, and I found all the sudden concern for lower-ranked players to be nothing more than vacuous posturing. They've had decades to filter money down the line to give more for lower-ranked players, and all the Big 3 have sat on the councils and this was never changed. I've long said that the winners of a tourney can get less, filter some downhill, and also create a workable stash for the old pre-Open tennis heroes who made the game what it is.

I agreed with and applauded Dominic Thiem's stance, though he got flak for it. All these things can be fixed within the ATP organisation, which was set up originally as a players union, and which has a fairly powerful players council too...

 

[Jelenafan]

I don't understand or see the need for this new players union, and I found all the sudden concern for lower-ranked players to be nothing more than vacuous posturing. They've had decades to filter money down the line to give more for lower-ranked players, and all the Big 3 have sat on the councils and this was never changed. I've long said that the winners of a tourney can get less, filter some downhill, and also create a workable stash for the old pre-Open tennis heroes who made the game what it is.

I agreed with and applauded Dominic Thiem's stance, though he got flak for it. All these things can be fixed within the ATP organisation, which was set up originally as a players union, and which has a fairly powerful players council too...

The original ATP players boycotted Wimbledon in 1973. Lots of luck having the backbone to do that today.

1973: The men boycott Wimbledon and shift power to the players | Tennis.com

Ending the Draft: The Niki Pilic affair changes everything.

www.tennis.com

 

[Kieran]

The original ATP players boycotted Wimbledon in 1973. Lots of luck having the backbone to do that today.

1973: The men boycott Wimbledon and shift power to the players | Tennis.com

Ending the Draft: The Niki Pilic affair changes everything.

www.tennis.com

Agreed, but they don't need to strike now, I think they have enough power to get prize money distributed differently. And not too differently, by the way - it's still a dog eat dog world, it's competition, and the likes of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic earn their money and shouldn't face shakedowns during a pandemic, to give away their money. But the prize money going forward can be allocated with more for first and second wound losers, less for the champs and semi-finalists. It won't affect the winners anyway...

 

[Moxie]

I thought they did do something about redistributing the prize money some years back when Roger and Rafa were on the council. (Not that I'm saying they couldn't do more.) Anyway, it is a good idea that they should make a fund for the retired players, especially the guys that really never got the big bucks.

 

[Kieran]

I thought they did do something about redistributing the prize money some years back when Roger and Rafa were on the council. (Not that I'm saying they couldn't do more.) Anyway, it is a good idea that they should make a fund for the retired players, especially the guys that really never got the big bucks.

From what I remember, during these years, they did distribute it differently - they made it more top heavy. That's what I think happened, I could be wrong about it, but then, maybe there was so much money that the losers in the early rounds got proportionally more, too. But during the pandemic it became a bigger issue because obviously there was no tennis and the lower ranked players survival became an issue. I hope going forward they'd raise the tide a little for these players, because I think the net effect is, it would make the sport more competitive if these players also have more access to coaches, facilities etc.

 

[Moxie]

From what I remember, during these years, they did distribute it differently - they made it more top heavy. That's what I think happened, I could be wrong about it, but then, maybe there was so much money that the losers in the early rounds got proportionally more, too. But during the pandemic it became a bigger issue because obviously there was no tennis and the lower ranked players survival became an issue. I hope going forward they'd raise the tide a little for these players, because I think the net effect is, it would make the sport more competitive if these players also have more access to coaches, facilities etc.

It seems we're both right. They were going to redistribute up, then the players objected, so they then went the other way. But you're right about how the pandemic has brought things back up. I definitely agree that the sport would be better off and more competitive if players had more similar advantages.

Tandon: ATP rethinks prize money distributions

Despite economy blues, the game's elite will see more green. But after much scrutiny, the ATP's decision to reconfigure prize money more equitably will help the middlemen stay afloat.

www.espn.com

 

[Jelenafan]

Agreed, but they don't need to strike now, I think they have enough power to get prize money distributed differently. And not too differently, by the way - it's still a dog eat dog world, it's competition, and the likes of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic earn their money and shouldn't face shakedowns during a pandemic, to give away their money. But the prize money going forward can be allocated with more for first and second wound losers, less for the champs and semi-finalists. It won't affect the winners anyway...

I agree it’s a different world, with the top players being mini corporations and The rise in power of the player management agents such as IMG who actually even operate tournaments.

There needs to be better representation of the rank and file, whose financial standings have been decimated by the COVID.

 

[Kieran]

I agree it’s a different world, with the top players being mini corporations and The rise in power of the player management agents such as IMG who actually even operate tournaments.

There needs to be better representation of the rank and file, whose financial standings have been decimated by the COVID.

That's right. Without them, there's no game. A 128 draw slam becomes maybe 96, or 64, and the asterisks begin flying about. There was never a good reason why such a wealthy and successful sport should have people who are 150th best in the world at what they do having to sweat their future so often. I understand, there are a lot of people whose lives are being devastated as the economies crash and burn during Covid, and there are no easy solutions, but I always felt that the winners prizes were becoming too inflated while the players who play the qualies might be battling for their lives. I love the Darwinian aspect of tennis, the competitive culling that goes on, and I have no reason to doubt what Thiem said, and I agree with him, but still, I think the prize money could filter differently.

It's especially galling in tennis - and in other sports too - that the old vets and heroes of the past might be struggling with things, while now and again being wheeled out and patronised, so the viewers on telly can see that sports has a history...

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Tennis Channel announces they will take over APT Tour TV rights in 2021,including all Masters 1000.
"Exclusive,live rights".

 

[tennisville]

The ATP has announced today that four new players have been elected to the ATP Player Council.
Felix Auger-Aliassime,Jeremy Chardy,John Millman and Andy Murray were elected by the existing members of the ATP Player Council to fill the roles vacated following the resignations of Novak Djokovic,Vasek Pospisil,John Isner and Sam Querrey prior to the US Open.
They will begin their roles with immediate effect.Kevin Anderson,formerly the ATP Player Council's Vice President.will serve as President.

And this is why a players union is needed. Normally the players council members are elected every 2 years by the players but for the first time ever the 2020 elections were removed and the current members elected themselves and the replacement of the players who resigned. The ATP is not even pretending that they care for the players at all. This is why players need a voice and why PTPA was formed

Also this shows how biased tennis journalism is. Remember how last year everyone wanted to know the details of the player council and how they made their decisions when they wanted to oust Kermode. They were also so detailed about the PTPA when it was formed asking what it will look into etc. Now when the replacements are not even elected by the players, they are all silent and keeping quiet.

Honestly Trump maybe should look into this, why hold elections when you can just decide to stay in power

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

And this is why a players union is needed. Normally the players council members are elected every 2 years by the players but for the first time ever the 2020 elections were removed and the current members elected themselves and the replacement of the players who resigned. The ATP is not even pretending that they care for the players at all. This is why players need a voice and why PTPA was formed

Also this shows how biased tennis journalism is. Remember how last year everyone wanted to know the details of the player council and how they made their decisions when they wanted to oust Kermode. They were also so detailed about the PTPA when it was formed asking what it will look into etc. Now when the replacements are not even elected by the players, they are all silent and keeping quiet.

Honestly Trump maybe should look into this, why hold elections when you can just decide to stay in power

I am still interested to see how the new player association pans out,still not a lot of details coming forward.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Fabio Foginni tested positive COVID19 on 14th October has been withdrawn from Sardina,the Forte Village Sardegne Open.

 

[tennisville]

I am still interested to see how the new player association pans out,still not a lot of details coming forward.

Yeah but don't you find it strange that no one is talking about the fact that players did not even elect the members of the player's council anymore. Whom do they represent now since players did not have a say in the members clearly? Also, no journalist is even covering this fact

I have heard that women have joined, but there has basically been radio silence on the new union since they made their basic statement. Watch this space, I guess. But I do agree that Murray has stood on his principals as to women in the game.

Also Andy Murray "I wont join PTPA since it does not represent women".

200 women sign for the PTPA (Source)

Andy Murray joins the Men's only Player Council that does not even care for his colleagues, the women and is clearly pro-establishment. No journalist is even pointing that this is clearly against what he said earlier. The fact that tennis journalism covered his initial statement on the PTPA but not this shows that they are just paid by the establishment to spread false narratives

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Yeah but don't you find it strange that no one is talking about the fact that players did not even elect the members of the player's council anymore. Whom do they represent now since players did not have a say in the members clearly? Also, no journalist is even covering this fact




Also Andy Murray "I wont join PTPA since it does not represent women".

200 women sign for the PTPA (Source)

Andy Murray joins the Men's only Player Council that does not even care for his colleagues, the women and is clearly pro-establishment. No journalist is even pointing that this is clearly against what he said earlier. The fact that tennis journalism covered his initial statement on the PTPA but not this shows that they are just paid by the establishment to spread false narratives

I was always of the understanding that the players elected the members of the player's council.Seeing this is a ATP General News post we should discuss anymore information regarding the new players association,to the new post that Moxie had started regarding this.

 

[tented]

I was always of the understanding that the players elected the members of the player's council.Seeing this is a ATP General News post we should discuss anymore information regarding the new players association,to the new post that Moxie had started regarding this.

Good idea. Here it is.

 

[Jelenafan]

ATP not happy with Sam Querrey for reportedly fleeing from Russia after testing positive for COVID-19

The American reportedly crossed the Russian border in a private jet and is now hiding in an unknown country.

sports.yahoo.com

On a personal note I can see why he did it, but if it's true, the ATP has to come down hard on him because of protocol measures.

 

[Fiero425]

ATP not happy with Sam Querrey for reportedly fleeing from Russia after testing positive for COVID-19

The American reportedly crossed the Russian border in a private jet and is now hiding in an unknown country.

sports.yahoo.com

On a personal note I can see why he did it, but if it's true, the ATP has to come down hard on him because of protocol measures.

He should be "DONE!" If he was that concerned about being separated from his family, he shouldn't have gone to Russia in the 1st place! If he has money for a private jet to scurry out of the country, he had enough money to avoid the tournament altogether! I wasn't happy with Djokovic with his Adria Tour and subsequent catching CV-19 thru irresponsible partying with other players and their families, but at least he didn't jump on a plane like that! OMG, they have to come down hard on Sam; pretty much say "your career is over!" He might as well get ready for the senior tour where I just saw Fish and Haas, then Haas and Ginepri playing at the "Raymond James Cup!"

 

[Carol]

ATP not happy with Sam Querrey for reportedly fleeing from Russia after testing positive for COVID-19

The American reportedly crossed the Russian border in a private jet and is now hiding in an unknown country.

sports.yahoo.com

On a personal note I can see why he did it, but if it's true, the ATP has to come down hard on him because of protocol measures.

I understand why he did it and me in his shoes I think I would have done the same but I would love to read about Querrey version. Anyway thinking about the Covid I don´t think it´s the best time traveling with the family and less with a 8 months baby, the should be more safe staying at home

 

[Carol]

Spanish version of "Catch me if you can"

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

AP News 16th October.

The Wimbledon tennis tournament is planning its comeback in 2021.
:Staging The Championships is our number one priority and we are actively engaged in scenario planning in order to deliver on that priority." Sally Bolton All England Club chief executive said.
The tournament,cancelled this year for the first time since 1945,is scheduled to run next year from June 28-July11.It could be held at full capacity,reduced capacity,or without fans the club said.All the options are dependent on the status of government and public health guidelines,the club said.