Novak Djokovic Concerned About ATP Rule

Written by: Staff on 25th April 2012

Novak Djokovic Concerned About ATP Rule

epa03191038 Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball to Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic during his semi final match at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Master tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 21 April 2012. EPA/STEPHANE REIX |

With tennis unrest starting to bubble again over prize money distribution and a chaotic Davis Cup schedule, Novak Djokovic has another bone to pick with the ATP. It’s about the little-known regulation which allows the CEO to approve rules under certain conditions without a vote from the board.

That has the world No. 1 steamed, especially as it results in the Madrid Masters next month being played on blue clay. The other two members of the ATP top two are in agreement, with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal also expressing disapproval of the ground-breaking concept.

“That rule has to be changed because it’s not fair. That’s what happened last year. That is why Madrid has a blue clay. I don’t know what to expect, to be honest,” said Djokovic.

Djokovic said that while he’s not against change, players need to be consulted. “You need to hear out what the players say, especially the top ones, because we need to feel that our opinion matters. That was not the case this time. They asked for my opinion. I said, ‘Until I play on it, I cannot give you an opinion.’

Madrid, run by Romanian billionaire and former player Ion Tiriac, has been a test bed for controversial ideas. It was the first tournament to introduce runway models as ball girls, a feature which remains a part of the event. It is also the only Masters 1000 with moveable roofs over all main showcourts, a huge help when it rains – which it does even in sunny in Spain.

Topics: 10sballs.com, ATP rule, Davis Cup 2012, Madrid Masters, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serbian tennis news, Sports, Tennis News