“It’s a Complicated Matter”: Jan-Lennard Struff Skeptical About Novak Djokovic’s New Players’ Association

Apart from the resumption of tennis, another topic that has taken motion and will be talked about extensively in the coming weeks is the creation of the Professional Tennis Players Association(PTPA). World No.1 Novak Djokovic spearheads the new association. Novak Djokovic, Vasek Pospisil, and John Isner resigned from their positions in the ATP Player Council to create a new independent front for the players.

Pospisil in his resignation indicated that players from the ATP Player Council don’t have much authority in decisions that are made by the ATP. And so an independent association was needed to keep the players’ interest in mind.

“I cannot answer the question with either agreement or rejection”- Jan-Lennard Struff on Novak Djokovic’s players’ association

In an interview with Sportschau, World No.29 Jan-Lennard Struff said that the PTPA is a complicated matter. He neither has accepted nor rejected the idea of the association. Struff is keeping his views on the matter to his own.

“As the question suggests, it’s a very complicated matter. I cannot answer the question with either agreement or rejection. At this point in time, I don’t want to go into detail about it. I am fully informed about the process and of course, all the players are talking about this topic and there are controversial views.” Struff said

Read More: “There is Active Dialogue With the Women’s Side”: Vasek Pospisil Defends New Players’ Association

After yesterday’s successful meeting, we are excited to announce the beginning of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA). The first player only association in tennis since 1972. #PTPA pic.twitter.com/q8H0aOdqDl

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 30, 2020

This move has been criticized by the ATP and the four Grand Slams. Looking at the tour, players have split into three sections with regards to PTPA. The likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have rejected the notion of the association. Andy Murray and Daniil Medvedev seem to be reluctant to sign now and will wait for more development and information in this matter. And players like Noah Rubin and Milos Raonic have supported the PTPA and are expected to sign soon.

So by the looks of it the whole men’s division with the ATP and tournaments are in a disarray. Pospisil also informed that talks are on with the female players as well. If a unified front involving men and women comes forward then it will be interesting to see how ATP and WTA respond.