Roger Federer calls for merger of ATP, WTA, says ‘now is the time’

Tennis superstar Roger Federer has suggested that the governing bodies of men’s and women’s tennis should merge, saying “now is the time” for the ATP and WTA to “come together as one”.

In a series of tweets, Federer said that the Association of Tennis Professionals and Women’s Tennis Association should merge and it “probably should have happened a long time ago”.

“Just wondering…..am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come together as one?” he tweeted, adding in another tweet that he was “picturing a merger between the WTA and ATP”.

The Swiss player clarified that he was not talking about merging competition on the court, but to being together the governing bodies that oversee the tours.

“… It’s too confusing for the fans when there are different ranking systems, different logos, different websites, different tournament categories,” he said.

“These are tough times in every sport and we can come out of this with 2 weakened bodies or 1 stronger body,” the 20-time grand slam champion added.

Several tennis personalities were in agreement with Federer on this matter. Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal said that it would be “great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men’s and women’s tennis in one only organisation”.

World no.2 Simona Halep replied to Federer’s tweet saying, “you are not the only one”.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King agreed with Federer, joining the discussion on Twitter and saying that it has been “my vision for tennis” and “let’s make it happen”.

All sports activity, including tennis, has been suspended following the outbreak of the coronavirus. Earlier this month, it was announced that Wimbledon would be cancelled for the first time since World War II. The French Open has been pushed to September, probably after the US Open, which is expected to be held without the presence of fans.