Roger Federer’s Call For ATP-WTA Merger Met With Disagreement From Nick Kyrgios

Roger Federer made headlines with his tweets suggesting merging the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) into one governing body. While this proposal has garnered much support, Nick Kyrgios disagrees with the concept.

The ATP was formed in 1972 and was followed right after by the WTA in 1973. It has been nearing 50 years that tennis is governed by separate entities and Federer took to Twitter to suggest a change amidst the global pandemic.

“ 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?” Federer tweeted.

While there has been overwhelming support for this cause, Kyrgios replied to Federer with a cryptic one-liner.

“Yes,” his tweet said.

While people tried to decipher initially what Kyrgios meant, this was outnumbered by the support Federer was gaining online.

19-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal supported his good friend Federer with the idea.

“Hey @rogerfederer 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 organisation,” Nadal tweeted.

One of the biggest gender equality icons, Billie Jean King mentioned that the movement towards one body has always been the plan since the 1970s.

“I agree, and have been saying so since the early 1970s. One voice, women and men together, has long been my vision for tennis,” King shared.

Other female stars also chimed their support for the union of the ATP and WTA. Current world number one Simona Halep responded to Federer by telling the Swiss legend he’s not the only one who wants to merge.

Rising star Belinda Bencic also agreed with the fellow Swiss on the thought of having one officiating body for the sport.

While the support continues for Federer, Kyrgios raised some points for consideration regarding the possibility.

He later tweeted a clearer position on the situation by saying there shouldn’t be any merge.

As the sporting world continues to be on hold, Federer, Kyrgios and the rest of the affected stars will have to wait for further development regarding the proposal.