Assessing the likelihood of an ATP-WTA merger – Is it possible?
Roger Federer has re-opened one of the biggest debates in tennis: should the ATP and WTA merge? We’ll discuss the details, as well the likelihood of it actually happening.
On April 22nd, Roger Federer restarted a debate in tennis that’s been going on for decades: should a merger between the ATP and WTA Tours take place?
It’s been a contested topic in tennis and one that has its fair share of believers and doubters. During this time in which tournaments cannot be held and the Tours needing to make critical decisions on the future of the sport, notable players in the sport have brought up merging the tours to have a unified voice moving forward. Leading the way is Roger Federer, who began the conversation on Twitter.
Just wondering…..am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come together as one?
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 22, 2020
The subject as a whole hasn’t gained much traction other than the occasional conversation. However, WTA pioneer Billie Jean King stated that a merger was actually Plan A when creating a women’s league in the 70s, with the WTA being Plan B.
I agree, and have been saying so since the early 1970s. One voice, women and men together, has long been my vision for tennis.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) April 22, 2020
The WTA on its own was always Plan B.
I’m glad we are on the same page.
Let’s make it happen. #OneVoice https://t.co/FHbQHLiY6v
Federer’s plan is not for the WTA and the ATP to merge on court, but instead to merge the governing bodies to oversee both tours. It’s a question that certainly needs to be answered. Given all of the factors, it isn’t an easy one. On the surface, it seems like a great idea to be able to operate both tours under one body of government, however, there are many different factors that may influence this decision. Let’s take a look at all of the factors surrounding the topic.