By Alberto Amalfi | Monday, May 23, 2022
When it comes to the ATP stripping Wimbledon of ranking points, Rafael Nadal sees both sides of the issue.
Ultimately, the 21-time Grand Slam champion says players are so driven by self-interest it's best to let the ATP Board make the call.
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"If I am agree or not agree with that, today doesn't matter," Nadal said in Paris when asked his reaction to the ATP's move. "The board, the ATP board make a decision. We need to accept that decision. The rest of the things I will not be the player who comes here and who put my board in a tough position for decision that they make.
"That's my point of view. I think players, we are not prepared enough well to make important decisions, because at the end is an individual sport. Everyone have their personal view in terms of how much profit they get from every single decision that ATP gets."
Wimbledon banned Russians and Belarusians in condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The ATP and WTA Tours have stripped Wimbledon of ranking points in response calling Wimbledon's ban discriminatory.
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic said he opposes Wimbledon's ban and cautioned against the dangers of mixing sports and politics.
Thirteen-time Roland Garos champion Nadal said lack of player unity on some issues can impede progress for the sport.
"In our tour, every single player have a different opinion, and that's why we never achieve the things that we could achieve if we will be together," Nadal said.
Still, the 35-year-old Spaniard hopes both the Tour and Wimbledon can come together for a better future.
"At the end, I understand both sides. I respect and I understand Wimbledon position, without a doubt, but in the other hand, I understand and I respect too that the ATP is protecting their members," Nadal said. "That's it. Is not that one is doing a negative thing and the other one is doing the good thing. Everyone half.
"In my personal opinion, have good reasons to make the decisions that they make today. Hopefully ATP and Wimbledon can be together and sit together and negotiate a better future for both sides."
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