Novak Djokovic continues with his particular battle against the ATP and in defense of the PTPA, the new association that the Serbian has created with Vasek Pospisil as an alternative to the majority association of players.
After sharing the formation statement of the board of the PTPA, Djokovic issued a statement on Thursday with his signature from this association in which he continues to defend his project and appreciates the support received. “Thank you to all the players, fans, media and other player associations around the world for their support of the PTPA, Vasek and myself, and the hundreds of players, our PTPA team and their advisors are already working on the PTPA movement and its mission. “
In this letter Djokovic returns to expose the reasons why he has launched the PTPA. “Created by the players and for the players, we believe that cleanliness and transparency when making decisions about professional tennis not only benefits the sport, but we will support all players, those who are at the top of the ranking and those who are trying to make a living off tennis, not just the players you see in the headlines. Progress and growth come when we work together to reshape the established mindset and develop innovation and collaboration. “
Djokovic takes the opportunity to throw a dart at the ATP and the vote he wants to make on his plan for the next 30 years, something that Djokovic opposes since he believes that tennis players do not have enough details about it and asks to delay the vote. “With our mission in mind, We have repeatedly asked the ATP to delay voting on its 30-year plan until players understand how it affects their health, well-being, their rights, and their ability to earn a fair wage. 30 years is a very long period of time and it would have a lasting and profound effect on today's players for generations to come. We simply need transparency and answers to important questions. “
The Serbian assures that they have asked the ATP several meetings to approach positions and debate some of the most confusing proposals. “We have sent multiple requests for a formal meeting between ATP and PTPA leaders who are experts in this area. We have sent lists of questions that are unanswered. We have respectfully requested that the vote be postponed until we know more and we have asked that any vote on the ATP plan for the next 30 years be delayed until our questions are answered in detail. “
Djokovic believes the ATP has not given details of how these ATP future plans could affect the players. “As we referenced in our open letter to the ATP this week, It is incomprehensible that the ATP wants to vote on it in the week of June 27, when many elements of the agreement that may affect the players have yet to be finalized: health, well-being and their ability to guarantee fair wages. It is essential that our team collaborates with the ATP to determine if the 30-year plan is truly fair to the players. Tennis players need to be adequately informed. “
Finally Djokovic emphasizes that he is not saying that the ATP plan is bad, but that they ask for more clarity when explaining it. “To be clear, we are not saying that the 30-year plan or the ATP is bad. We just want more clarity. Until then, the vote should be delayed. Thank you for joining the PTPA movement. Together we are working to help the sport we love grow. “