“He will be the first one to support PTPA,” Vasek Pospisil hopes Rafael Nadal to join the New Player’s Association

What is the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA)?

Djokovic resigned as head of the ATP player council before the US Open 2020, along with members Vasek Pospisil, John Isner and Sam Querrey, to form the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA).

“Right now we are prioritising to gather as many players as possible, both male and female players, because there’s been a lot of talk about this being an only men’s organisation or association, and it’s not true,” Djokovic said to Reuters.

”We have been talking with the women tennis players in the last five, six days, trying to share as much information with them as possible, and hopefully, get their support and get them in as well in big numbers as part of this association.” He added.

He mentioned that the aim of the body was to co-exist with the governing bodies to provide a platform for the players to make decisions and was surprised by the criticism he received.

He said, “I feel like we can all co-exist in the same ecosystem.”

“Nadal will be the first one to support it,” says Pospisil

Both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, two of the most influential tennis players have opted not to be a part of the Professional Tennis Association (PTPA). When Pospisil was asked regarding who he considered would be the first to join the Association between the two greats, Pospisil immediately answered Nadal and mentioned that he generally supported the players and had been vocal over issues faced by the players over the past 15 years.

“I think of those 3, probably the best one that is most likely is probably Nadal. I don’t know him very well but I’ve heard he is generally behind the players, has been behind the players a little bit more in the previous years and maybe he has a less personal interest. I don’t know. I think maybe he would maybe be the best one, the first one to support it,” Pospisil said as quoted by Sunday Morning Herald.

“Of Roger and Rafa, I believe Rafa will probably be more likely the first one to support it if that ever happens. But of course, I like to think it will because this is all just for the best interest of the players. He’s still a player…I think he’s very aware of some of the struggles the players have had the last 20 years. I know he’s been vocal about it in the past. I don’t see why we could not have constructive conversations with him and see how it goes,” He further added.