'It would be amazing' - Alex Corretja backs ATP and WTA merger talk

Updated 04/09/2023 at 07:34 GMT

The ATP and WTA appear to be taking the potential threat to both tours from Saudi Arabia very seriously, after initial talks had been held over a potential historic merger. The influence from the Middle East has already crept into the men's game, after a five-year deal was signed for the ATP finals to be held in Jeddah. Roger Federer previously spoke out in support of a merger three years ago.

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The ATP and WTA could join forces in an historic merger to combat the threat of investment from Saudi Arabia, and it is a move that has earned the support of Eurosport expert Alex Corretja.

Tournament representatives and executives from both tennis tours will meet in London for a two-day summit at the end of this month.

The ATP’s Andrea Gaudenzi and WTA’s Steve Simon are keen to combine the two tours, and is seen as a way to defend against the threat of Saudi interest in the sport.

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A report from The Telegraph explains there are fears that a tennis equivalent of LIV Golf could be in the pipeline, with the added problem posed by Novak Djokovic’s PTPA.

Djokovic’s rival player union is gaining increasing prominence since being founded four years ago, while initial meetings over the proposed merger were held last week.

The now retired Roger Federer tweeted in support of a potential merger three years ago and said: “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?

"I am picturing a merger between the WTA and ATP. I am not talking about merging competition on the court, but merging the two governing bodies [ATP and WTA] that oversee the men’s and women’s professional tours. It probably should have happened a long time ago, but maybe now is really the time. These are tough times in every sport and we can come out of this with two weakened bodies or one stronger body.”

Andy Murray's mum Judy also appeared to support the idea, as a #strongertogether hashtag appeared to gain some traction on social media.

There is still plenty that needs to be discussed between the ATP and WTA Tours to make the partnership official, with Gaudenzi and Simon needing to convince their respective boards that a merger is the right step.

Both tours have separate commercial partners and deals for TV and data rights, so it would take some considerable negotiations to bring all of those under one banner.

There could also be discontent among the male players, who earn 75% more than their female counterparts across the tour, despite the prize money being equal at all Grand Slams.

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This could result in some finances being redistributed, but there is enough optimism that the strength of opposition against Saudi involvement in the sport could result in a union.

Their influence has already crept into the ATP Tour, following confirmation that the ATP Finals will be held in Jeddah as part of a five-year deal.

The King Abdullah Sports City multi-use stadium will host the event from this year until 2027, with the 2023 finals taking place between November 28 and December 2.

Hopefully they can work it out - Corretja

Eurosport expert Corretja would welcome a proposed merger between the two tours, but recognises that it would take plenty of planning and consideration before it could be successfully implemented.

"It would be amazing, I think it would be brilliant," he said.

“All these tournaments (Grand Slams) are very successful because they play with men and women combined.

“Also, we need to understand that it's not that easy to make a whole 100% merge because you need to have special venues.

“But now we have four Slams. We have so many Master 1000s as well, which they play together. A merger would be great because the ATP and WTA would try to be as close as possible. It can get a little bit confusing with the ATP, WTA and ITF tournaments, but the intention is there and it would be great news for everyone. Hopefully they can work it out.”

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