Federer Weighs In On A Possible Change

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 5th November 2013

BNP Paribas 2013 Masters Tennis Tournament

Federer Weighs In On A Possible Change

epa03932628 Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts after winning his quarter final match against Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina at the BNP Paribas 2013 Masters tennis tournament in Paris, France, 01 November 2013. EPA/YOAN VALAT |

Regardless of the claims from Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic that the time is right for a change of venue for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, the chances of that happening within the next few years seems minimal.

New York and Rio de Janeiro were both more than willing to take on the event when the initial three years long contract with the London 02 Arena came to a close last year. Now, with a further agreement in place until 2015 in place, Dubai has made it clear the opportunity of staging the year ending event on the men’s tour would be very appealing.

However Barclays ATP World Tour Final tournament director Andre Silva said: “My personality isn’t much for a change. This is a different animal to the World Cup in that it’s year to year, and you do want to expose fans around the world to this type of tennis.

“But the tournament is a very important part of the business of the ATP. More important than exposing everyone around the world to it is making sure it’s healthy and not an experiment. I know a lot of people talked about Rio and New York. It’s obviously great to be wanted. At the same time you need to be sure it makes sense—and right now London makes a lot of sense.”

Roger Federer, longtime president of the ATP’s Players Council and a winner of the title in Houston, Shanghai and London, concurs that the 02 Arena presents the best stage at present.

The Swiss said: “I must agree with Andre in many ways because I think it’s important that this event is played in a place that knows tennis. I think it’s good sometimes to play Shanghai, or maybe Lisbon or Sydney for a year, but I think it’s not long enough in one place to put its roots down.”

Topics: 10sballs.com, Atp, Barclays ATP, djokovic, Novak, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Tennis, Tennis News, World Tour Finals