By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Novak Djokovic insists there is no bad blood between himself, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, saying he "welcomes" their input in ATP politics.
Photo credit: Christoper Levy
MIAMI—Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer stood shoulder-to-shoulder on Hard Rock Stadium court alongside Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Afterward, the world No. 1 said he welcomes the input of Federer and Rafael Nadal cutting through the red tape of ATP politics.
More: Miami Open Men's Storylines
The ATP Player Council president insists there is no bad blood between the three iconic champions after both Nadal and Federer expressed their support for ATP chief Chris Kermode, who was ousted in a vote by the board earlier this month.
A search for Kermode's successor is underway. Djokovic said he welcomes the input of both Federer and Nadal in the political process.
“We welcome them," Djokovic told the media in Miami today. "I welcome them. Everybody welcomes them as anybody else who wants to join the political discussions. I have to remind you that that player council is only part of the structure. We are not part of the board.
"We are not deciding anything that has been voted on later on. We are in consultations and collaborations with our player board representatives participating actively in discussions on certain things and subjects that are important. And obviously board members are the ones that are voting on what they think is appropriate for the players side and that’s all I can say."
While the 37-year-old Federer was not as definitive on the subject as Djokovic, he said he does hope to chat with the Player Council president, cautioning "we're not chasing each other at this point."
"We’ll see now," Federer told the media when asked about a meeting with Djokovic. "A lot of stuff has been decided already so we’ll see if this week it's going to happen or not. But we’re not chasing each other at this point. If it happens, it happens."
Nadal, along with Stan Wawrinka and others, is a vocal supporter of the 54-year-old Kermode and was upset he was not consulted on the Briton's ouster.
"I am disappointed that nobody came and explained why. What's the real reason we don't have Chris continuing running our sport?" Nadal told the media in Indian Wells. "Probably the guys who are running the council, they didn't make the right job, because when they are there is they are there representing us, so normally they have to ask what's our opinion."
In Indian Wells, Djokovic pointed out communication is a two-way street suggesting Nadal could speak to him anytime.
Meeting the media today, Djokovic said Federer and Nadal are iconic champions whose "opinions are extremely important to everyone."
"They have been icons on our sport for so many years and their opinions are extremely important to everyone," Djokovic siad. "So if they want to be active and part of it in some way, officially or unofficially, I think it’s only a positive."
The reigning Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open champion shot down suggestions of a rift between the three champions who have combined to capture 52 of the last 63 Grand Slam events.
"I saw Roger today for the opening ceremonies, cutting the ribbon, we had a small chat," Djokovic said. "No time to talk about the political stuff and that’s something hopefully we’re gonna have time in the next couple of days to go through.
"I have not noticed anything from their side…It’s not necessary for you guys to create any tension between us. On the contrary, I have really good relations with both of them, we always respected each other. We are rivals of course—it’s kind of difficult to be friends—but we respect each other and that’s how it is still… until I get him on the court (smiles).”
The 15-time Grand Slam champion believes dissent is part of the democratic process, but conceded frustration by some working outside the ATP political structure to try to influence change.
"Everyone has a different opinion and everyone has a right to state their opinion," Djokovic said. "But at the same time it is frustrating for me personally, but for a lot of players that have been part of the structure. Because structure is what it is and we have to respect it.
"But I feel structure has failed us so many times and then many times when top players get involved and want to be heard they felt like everything they have said was not really followed through in the way it as supposed to. And I understand that because when you try to make changes you can’t do that without being part of the structure."