Roger Federer proposes merging men’s and women’s tennis tours into one

Roger Federer has proposed a full merger of the men’s and women’s tennis tours as the way ahead whenever the professional game emerges from its lockdown.

Notably, his suggestion via Twitter was quickly endorsed by Rafael Nadal, who hinted that the two of them have already been using their time off to discuss the matter.

They are powerful figures, but whether the idea will fly when all this is over must be open to question. Seeing will be believing.

Roger Federer says tennis should use the current shutdown to merge the ATP and WTA tours

The Swiss legend took to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon to share his thoughts on the topic

He clarified he meant merging the tours into one body rather than playing against each other

‘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?’ asked Federer, whose Laver Cup project only includes men.

While Nick Kyrgios simply replied ‘yes’, Nadal was more supportive: ‘As you know per our discussions I completely agree 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 organization.’

A succession of female players quickly took to social media to express their support. Billie Jean King, Godmother and co-creator of the modern women’s tour, was very much in favor.

‘I agree, and have been saying so since the early 1970s. One voice, women and men together, has long been my vision for tennis, ‘she said. ‘The WTA on its own was always Plan B. I’m glad we are on the same page. Let’s make it happen. “

Spanish legend Rafa Nadal responded positively, insisting he ‘completely agrees’ with it

Tennis legend Billie Jean King was also on board, saying she had been saying it for years

Federer made the valid point that it can be confusing for followers to have to have different logos, ranking systems and calendars for a sport which, unusually, has a fan base spread fairly evenly between the sexes.

However, the logistical challenges are considerable, and at a time when overall prize money may well be reduced there are likely to be objections from less wealthy rank-and-file male players.

The issue of equal financial distribution would be bound to rear its head. While many men are reluctant to discuss it, a substantial number feel they have greater economic clout and should be better rewarded for it.

And as Novak Djokovic has already admitted, the fabulously wealthy top three’s plan to ask top 100 players to donate to lower ranked strugglers has quickly met with resistance.

Former Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza also shared her support in response

Tennis has been decimated by the coronavirus crisis, with this year’s Wimbledon canceled