Is it really just Nadal calling for these changes or is it the player council? Because your article makes it sound like the tiff is just between these two people, and really it's much larger than that isn't it.

nadal and his fan are self centered jerk. and arrogant and smug. as always
how many EX of Nadal, and the performance fee paid to him. too many. Nadal never have the qualification, for telling a schedule grumble.


He also asserts two-years-ranking. And, also this same, the chairman's Roger Federer or other players are opposing. This ranking is obstructive clearly for young player's growth.

Nadal always thinks of himself only. Nadal is a player who has ego in ranking, money, and pride most. what selfish.

should retire early.

I'm glad Rafa brought it out into the open.

sucks nadal. arrogant annoying blind fans most. SICK

Is Tennis Talk another site that's gone down the tubes? If I hate a player, can I post all kinds of trash, get banned, and come back a day later with a different user name?

I agree with you Fanfan. However, I've another gripe. Anyone looking at this site would think it was the tennis "off" season! Of the 8 possible stories, 4 could come from a gossip magazine.
Doesn't anyone want to talk about the Australian Open? And more than two players are competing too, who'd a thought it!

I just saw Novak's interview in Serbian language in which he states that he is 100% backing Nadal on this issue and that he fully agrees with the proposal for the two year point system and less number of obligatory tournaments as Rafa suggested...Nole also talked about how Rafa, Murray and he are all about the same age and that they want to play tennis for many more years but with the current schedule they may not be able to do that...he also said the same thing as Rafa that they will not be able to enjoy life after tennis as they will be in pain since their body already suffers too much...so he stated again that he fully agrees on this issue with both Rafa and Murray...it is clear now that all the top players (except Fed!) and most likely other players share the same view...

"...it is clear now that all the top players (except Fed!) and most likely other players share the same view..."

What other players.

So you thin the majority of players on the top 100 want less tournaments or a 2 year ranking?! I for one don't believe that.

And from what I've heard only querrey, rodduck, murray and djokovic have said they want a shorter season. And only murray, nadal and djokovic expressed they wish for a 2 year ranking.

A 2 year ranking is a bad thing for lower ranked players and new players trying to breakthrough and Roger knows it. That's why he doesn't support it.

This is an issue that's easy to understand but nadal and some of his fans constantly try to bend the facts.

What nadal wants:
- 2 year ranking - players that expressed support: djokovic, murray
- shorter season - players that expressed support: djokovic, murray, roddick, querrey

What the majority of players want:
-a more equal distribution of prize money - players that have not said anything about it: nadal, djokovic, murray, Federer,...

What nadal wants, and djokovic and murray support, only benefits the top guys especially the 2 year ranking.

What the other players want has nothing to do with what nadal wants...

bleck
, 1/17/12 6:04 PM


It's time to accept the truth, dudde, Roger really is in the minority. Read below what Alex Bogomolov said 9he is not in the top 4, is he?)

After beating the Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, Alex Bogomolov, who started the storm at Twitter at the weekend, said: "As far as the tweet, I was very excited as far as how the players were united.

"I've never been to a meeting like that before in my life. I know all these guys for 12 years already. The way everybody is sticking by each other, the way everybody is on the same page, is inspiring. For me, again, 28 years old, I'm trying to sort of improve the game for the younger generation that's coming up, for the fans, for the tournaments. Everything has to grow. I'm part of that right now. I'm at the end of my career. We're trying to make it better for the guys coming up."

So, clearly, there is unity in the lockerroom.......................exception is the prez who's busy seeing nothing, hearing nothing and definitely smelling nothing but those Benjamins rolling his way!

bleck, just because we didn't get to hear what all the other players got to say doesn't mean that theyre not in agreement with Rafa, Nole and Murray. You can't jump into conclusion like this, as if you're there at the meeting. There's no way we outsiders know what happened, so we have to trust that when Rafa mentioned 'supermajority' of the players, he's telling the truth, for he can't lie when all other players are listening.

I know you're backing Fed and his ideas but it seems majority of the players want some changes. At the end of the day, it's between the players and the ATP to work and smooth things out, not us the TT posters.

For your information Bleck Rafa also wants more money for the lower ranked players, so don't you twist that part of it to make Roger look like he is looking after the "little guy". I have personally heard Rafa express this view way before the AO in one of his interviews so don't you try and make out that Rafa is not a champion of this particular proposal because he most definitely is.

As regards the 2 year ranking, I do not know enough about how it would work to have an informed opinion but again I do know that Rafa said that this 2 year ranking system would benefit and protect the ranking of players like Delpo who went right down when he had his serious injury - again you twist things to suit your own personal views. I thought you were more objective than that.

As regards less tournaments/shorter season - I believe they are talking about "compulsory" tournaments. This would suit everyone. It is obvious that the top players play many more matches as they go deeper into the tournaments than the lower ranked players. There is nothing to stop the lower ranked players playing in as many tournaments as they want and they would probably like it if the top players did not play at these tournaments so that they could accummulate more points and prize money.

The reason they have so many mandatory tournaments is to force the top players to play otherwise the tickets won't sell and sponsors will not be willing to sponsor the tournaments.

Darren Cahill
Federer all class in his press conference re the Nadal issue. Shook off any conflict with ease.

Christopher Clarey
Federer handling this sensitive presser like a professional diplomat #AusOpen

TennisReporters Cronin
Federer: I support other players, just dont want to talk issues w/ press. I think of players first & I think of lower ranked players first."

Tennis Panorama News
Federer to media - no hard feelings with nadal just have different opinions

SI_BTBaseline
Federer says it used to be that nadal would agree with whatever he said. But he's grown up now and has his own opinions and that's fine.

Nadal is lucky to have him playing in this era. If the chairman is not Roger, If it is Jimmie Connors.
Connors would give Nadal the middle finger.

Rafaisthebest: What Bleck is perhaps trying to say is that we all don't know what this unity agrees on (all the proposals or just some of them-who is backing what).

From NY Times: "It was an emotional occasion with Nadal and Andy Roddick and other speakers drawing extended applause and with growing support for pushing the Grand Slam tournaments to dedicate a greater percentage of their revenues to the players. While regular tour events routinely commit more than 30 percent of revenue to prize money, players claim that despite prize money increases, the Grand Slam event percentages remain considerably lower."

?More than 80 percent of the top players are on the same page as the rest of the players, saying that grand slams are not paying enough and that some mandatory events are not having proper prize money distribution,? Stakhovsky added." Perhaps this is the most significant change / basis for the major unity? We don't know if this unified front agrees this strongly with other proposals for changes.

What I think Federer isn't backing up or standing up for is the idea of strike on players' behalf, this kind of radical action.

Personally, I have never been a supporter of strike action in any industry.............savvy employers/companies can always find chinks to devide. Am not sure how tennis stars would strike...............if you cross the picket line and your opponebt does not, is this treated as a walk-over? Theoretically, you could walk-over all the way to the title, no!

Although I like Novak, They have said what? Ranking during two years?
They really plan to change the history of ATP? own convenience only. considers nothing about the players of low ranking.

Because, the body is painful when a game is continued? The past player has also fought the similarly long season. And all the finals of MS were also 5-set matches. But it is still insufficient?

selfish brat. complaints. perform EX repeatedly and continue getting a large amount of performance fee. stop it at least. After, The meaningful talk start.

LOL at Bogomolov saying "we're doing this for the younger generation."

everyone in the room has selfish reasons and selfish reasons only, especially Bogomolov.

Well... what kind of publicity stunt.... it is RIDICULOUS!!!
Media are trying desperately to show us...that everything is milk and honey on ATP.
Well... it is not.... Rafa told honestly what he thinks... and what the majority of players think... yes bleck... majority...
Tittles ... Federer is not angry! ... and everything is alright ... one more PR try to show that he is boss... SO WHAT IF HE ISN'T ANGRY?... ...what would happened if he is angry..? ... and who cares is he angry...
Like nice polite kid he had wrote a statement from ATP big bosses... and he is diplomat??? LOL!
UNBELIEVABLE !!! ...poor guy is still playing the same game.... nice and easy and passive... just calming the situation... just the thing that big corporative asses want!

young generation players are selfish brat all.

Well, zare, what kind of statement would you want to satisfy your desires? Something along the lines: I bow to Novak and Nadal. They are always right and I am always wrong." Bollocks! Whatever he would (and does) say and do wouldn't make you a happy camper. How does the fact he isn't angry make him boss? Jeeez.

zare is fool arrogant girl. don't care.

Players don't want diplomatic statements they want results, they want to improve the conditions under which they play. Federer can come up smelling of roses with his diplomacy but that's not going to help anyone else.

Players who go out early are usually out of pocket. They are needed just as much as the top players to make it a tournament. It can't be right that players play on the challenger circuit for virtually nothing. Something has to be done. When their predecesors were fighting for what today's players now enjoy, for example, prize money instead of an umbrella or a £10 voucher to spend in the Wimbledon shop, it was all done in the open not behind closed doors, otherwise they would have achieved nothing.

Exactly Nadline. Nicey nice from Fed is all well and good, but how about some results. I mean, did anyone expect Federer to do anything but placate the situation between he and Nadal. Once again, Rafa is the trouble-maker and he's Mr. Good Guy just by virtue of sticking with his M.O. Walk the walk Fed, then you might garner some respect.

We read this statement from different points of view clearly. I support Federer's nature of and what he is saying here, which is regarding his and Nadal's relationship, not ATP issues specifically. And putting the plug on speculation that Rafa's statement would damage their friendship on and off court. What some people here would like to hear is some sort of resentment, to fuel what they think of Federer anyway. And now they're pissed because he denied them the opportunity. And continue to condemn whatever he says anyway.

If diplomacy won't work (behind closed doors and regarding whatever changes majority agrees on), that drastic action will follow surely. Since we're talking about a significant group of players, and then we'll see which call for changes unites them.

Ssun... You don't get it, do you?
I don't need any statement from Mr. Corporative... I ( and the players, what is only important ) want action. Decisions. Deadlines.
And Fed is just doing everthing opposite.
Btw... It will be cold day in hell, before Fed says that someone other is right, unles Mirka tech him :)

So Ricky, are you saying that it's wrong to want change for yourself AND the younger players that follow. If the players do manage to make change Bogmolov will probably only benefit for a year or two, but some 19 year old on the circuit could benefit through his career. I'd say the younger player benefits most. It's a huge advantage for the younger guys just not to have to fight this battle. When parents better the lives of their kids do they not better their own lives, and are they being selfish for doing so?

No, you don't get it Zare, the statement here is about whether what was said effects his and Nadal's friendship, NOT ATP issues specifically. An answer to a question from media, just as Rafa's was. And sure, you'll get a raise/higher percentage of tournament earnings tomorrow, since, you know, that's how the world works. For other changes, just let Federer know who supports them.

Man... Are you blind?
Who gives the sh1t are they friends or not... He is changing the subject... Making diversion...distraction...
What he will do about CHANGES!
OMG... I am sick of experts which are trying to explaine what has he said and how his sh1t does not stink!
Now go and explaine to someone else...

Helloooo - Earth to Ssun. Federer has supposedly been working behind closed doors regarding these issues for years. Thus the frustration by Nadal and the player council. Just let Fed know is a ridiculous statement. Fed the great procrastinator has literally turned a blind eye to player requests for years under the guise of "president (father) knows best", and let's not put a bad light on the ATP. I agree, it would be a shame if politics were to get in the way of what's been celebrated as the friendliest rivalry perhaps in sports, but I think it will go by the wayside if Federer doesn't step up to the plate and support these guys. Rafa has made his amends. He's apologized of sorts, now let's see what Fed is willing to do.

Forget the so-called rift between Federer and Nadal. The issue is that Federer's diplomacy in dealing with the ATP is not getting anything done, so more militancy is needed for the management to sit up and take notice.

As usual, the whole thing is now all about Federer and how well he can wiggle his way out of admitting that he is not representing the players that he is actually on the side of the ATP.

First, "And sure, you'll get a raise/higher percentage of tournament earnings tomorrow, since, you know, that's how the world works. For other changes, just let Federer know who supports them." is sarcasm, and also, it would be nice to know who supports the 2-year ranking system besides Nole and Nadal, and the schedule (I know Davy doesn't, is there someone else who doesn't? What are the pros and the cons.)
Maya, "Fed the great procrastinator has literally turned a blind eye to player requests for years under the guise of "president (father) knows best..." - really, for years? And you know this how? The 2-year ranking issues was brought to light when exactly? If what you're saying would be true, it would be really strange, that Federer would be elected to represent players. But perhaps there is a conspiracy behind that also.

Yes, I agree that it is nice to have these two as friends.

Nadline, I was discussing the statement regarding the mini-rift, as to the title of the article. If Federer isn't supporting the players in general, sure, he should step down. But if he isn't spitting at ATP publicly, that is his decision to make.

Halleluya!
Now I agree with you ssun.

The ATP needs to be named and shamed into action. Everyone should be able to see how the players are just tools who are run into the ground beating themselves up to line the pockets of people who don't even break sweat on a tennis court.

I'm sure Rafa would sacrifice his cordial relationship with Federer if conditions were be improved.

Like everythibg else in these days... ATP and ITF are here bocause of players... Not vice verso...
Ppl are paying to see Nole,Rafa,Fed,Andy.... Not to see chairman or council members...
So they should have the last word!
btw... Troicki, Tipsy and Zimonjic are 100% behind Nole or Rafa... As you like...

yes, nadline, players are beating themselves on tennis courts and worry whether they will be able to do enjoyable physical activities like skiing when they retire. We, however, are even bigger tools for beating ourselves on tennis forums for our favorites, while worrying if we will ever retire and if our mortgage and credits will be paid off by then.

Ssunn, so you don't think players should worry about the toll the game is taking on their body? I don't see myself as a tool because no one is making any money out of me chosing to go on forums and tennis will go one whether I take to the internet to support a particular player or not.

Nadline: "so you don't think players should worry about the toll the game is taking on their body?" No, that is not what I am saying at all. Every player worries about the physical toll and injuries.

Hold on the celebration on us agreeing zare, I said IF.

"So I choose not to talk about those issues with you guys. That doesn?t mean I don?t support the players." (Q. Do you disagree with the concept of a strike in principle, or do you just think it wouldn?t work?) FEDERER: ..."If there?s no avoiding it, I?ll support the rest of the players. But I just think we have to think it through how we do it, if we do it, can we do it, whatever it is, instead of just going out and screaming about it." Organized strike it is ;)

And Maya("Federer's blind eye") from NY Times a rebuttal : "Some changes already have been instituted. This season will end in November, two weeks earlier than the 2011 season ended." I'd say, albeit not so revolutionary and drastic as immediate strike, it nonetheless is a small step in the right direction.

Ssun - I've been reading about some of these issues for over three years now. Yes, they finally were able to shorten the season by two weeks, but not without Nadal taking it in the shorts every two weeks for being a complainer, constantly being compared to the Swiss who never complains about anything. Roger may not be acomplainer, but he's not been an advocate for the players either, or he would have spoken out and supported these guys long before now. I'd love to hear from Roger just what he did "behind closed doors" to help solve player issues. If change occurs it's because Djokovich, Murray and especially Rafa have been willing to take the heat and criticism to address their issues publicly, not because of what Roger has done in private.

Maya, Roger does not have to be an advocate, but as a players' president he should show some support.... I may be wrong but it seems to

sorry I hit the send button by accidently... I mean I may be wrong but it seems to me by reasons he wants his fellow younger players all got injured....

I also think this whole situation has nothing to do with friendships and talking about ruining friendship and rift between Rafa and Fed is just twisting the real picture...do they nurture friendships when they meet on the court? Of course not; they beat the hell out of each other. In the same way, this issue is strictly business and it shouldn't be interpreted as any type of rift...if Fed is hurt by the truth being told, so be it...I do not think that Rafa showed any disrespect for Fed by telling out loud what has been addressed for so long behind the ATP doors....and trying to point out that nothing has been done to date to improve the situation...some action is obviously needed...it does go for the benefit of the current players no question about it and they naturally have their share of interest in it, but it also stands for the future generations...the goal after all should be the same: to improve conditions for the players...I see what Fed did as a perfect diplomat: he acknowledged that Rafa is grown up now and is allowed to disagree with the BIG GIANT HEAD?!! and that he (Fed) is not angry?!! ahahaha...that is the most perfidious way to avoid the main topic and instead of offering some real answers he drew the media attention on his hurt feelings as they matter at all...that is just so Federish...

It's the players, not us, who complained about Fed. I'm sure they know better than us here what had happened. Fed of course has to do something about this rift, if not he'll be seen as the bad guy when his fellow colleagues are complaining about him. As usual, he's diplomatic enough to say some nice words about Rafa and resolve the issue. Rafa also admitted that he shouldn't talk too much to the media, I think they've resolved their issue here, so nothing more for us to talk about (concerning this rift).

tettylids - In my dictionary the first definition of the word ADVOCATE means to be supportive of.

Sorry Maja, but this "If change occurs it's because Djokovich, Murray and especially Rafa have been willing to take the heat and criticism to address their issues publicly, not because of what Roger has done in private." made me laugh. Whoever complains the loudest in public, is the most efficient and sole harbinger of change? Prominent yes, but there are plenty more players in the room as well besides the four. So again, let's see what changes this united majority backs up, besides the higher percentage of tournament revenues. I'm sure if they were united on all the fronts before we'd be reading a tweet from Bogomolov much sooner. And I don't care if they state it in public or not, it's their legitimate decision and choice.

As far as I know, all industrial disputes are aired in public not behind closed doors.

New ATP head acknowledges player complaints
AP - Tuesday, January 17, 2012
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)?The new head of men?s tennis says he has heard the concerns of the players ?loud and clear? and plans to ensure they are addressed.

A player meeting ahead of the Australian Open reignited talk of a possible strike over conditions on the tour. The main issues apparently revolve around an overcrowded schedule and prize money at Grand Slams.

Brad Drewett, the new chairman and president of the ATP and a former tour player, on Wednesday says the men?s game is in an ?unbelievable position? and that the weekend player meeting was no more heated than any others.

He acknowledges, however, that there are ?some issues around? and says he will ?represent their opinions wherever they need to be represented.?

http://www.tennis.com/articles/templates/news.aspx?articleid=15867 &zoneid=4


This is some achievment that the ATP has now admitted in public that the players have issues, all because Rafa spoke up.

Guys..If djoko and murray are backing Rafa, theres nothing much Fed can do..he will have to give in eventually..Murray will back Rafa without battling an eyelid, hes his hero after all but Djoko backing Rafa is a big cushion too and it may be just coz they are both injury prone.

I read there was a meeting of Top 8-9 in London last yeat during WTF and all 8 players except Fed wanted 2 year ranking. This was read by me yesterday by some guy called Neil Herman (sorry I dont rem now)

sanju, Neil Harman is the Tennis correspondent of the Times.

'The Times understands that at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in November, all the players bar Federer aligned themselves to the call for a two-year ranking system that affords better protection against the ever-present threat of injuries in a game of such physical demands on hard courts. That got several players? backs up.'

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/tennis/article3287105.ece

Here is another quote from the Times (link as above)

'Nadal was among many players to raise a raft of objections to the governance of the sport ? one called for an immediate boycott of the Australian Open but he was told to sit down. He is concerned about the remuneration paid by the four grand-slam tournaments and the amount of weeks those at the top are MANDATED to play.'

It's the mandatory tournaments that Rafa wants reduced not the total number of tournaments.

Maybe they should make half of the players play at Miami and the other half at I/W. Clay already has one mandatory Masters.

Corr.

Clay already has one NON mandatory Masters.