I woke up today to the buzz over Rafael Nadal’s pre-tournament press conference. In it, he criticizes Federer for basically keeping up that status quo and criticizing players who speak out for change. ”For him it’s good to say nothing. Everything positive. ‘It’s all well and good for me, I look like a gentleman,’ and the rest can burn themselves”, Nadal is quoted as saying during the Spanish portion of his presser. He also warned that there may be, “strong action” if changes aren’t made, but he was no longer interested in being in the forefront because he feels as if he is the lone person complaining publicly.
This divide isn’t new. For months, the rift between the two most recognizable and respected athletes in tennis had been reported. When the ATP was in search of a new head, Nadal wanted tour veteran Richard Krajicek to take the helm whereas Federer wanted someone with more business experience. Nadal favors a two year ranking system, Federer does not. Nadal wants a shorter season with less play on hardcourts, Federer is fine with the schedule as is. The two even met during the World Tour Finals to hammer out some of their differences. From Nadal’s comments, not much was accomplished. For now we are left with a frustrated No. 2 , a complacent No. 3 and a tour in flux.
Nadal says he’s not alone in his stance and there is evidence to show that. No. 4 ranked player, Andy Murray has complained in the past as well as American stalwart, Andy Roddick. Former players, coaches and commentators have all stated that the season is too long and the injuries are too numerous. Tennis fans all over the net have railed against the wonky decisions from the Powers That Be. The failure of the ATP and the ITF to address these issues have indeed become a mountain instead of a molehill.
The reactions I have read are split. Nadal fans are in full support of their man. Federer fans think their guy is right. The tennis press in a rare attempt to seem neutral have attempted to outline both sides of the argument, but they can’t help themselves from making this another chapter in the FEDAL wars. The thing is, Nadal’s concerns run deeper than a tiff with Federer. Depending on how you feel, this is really about the tennis tour as it is now versus how it’s going to be in the future. It’s more than just a multi-millionaire athlete speaking from a place of self interest. This is about the long term survival of the tour. Nadal is addressing a wide range of problems: from the length of the tour, to revenue sharing, to player representation, to the opportunities of lower ranked players to make a living.
That’s not to say that I agree with everything Nadal says. I’m no blind stan. I do support his right to say whatever he feels though without making himself or the tour look bad. I do wish that the other players who feel the same will support him and turn all this talk into action. I’m also interested in Federer’s response to all of this. Yes a Grand Slam tournament is about to start but this shit is important. I don’t give a damn if there’s a ripple in the Federer/Nadal bromance, these issues need to be addressed.
In short, the Emperor is losing his jacket and nobody puts Baby Rafa in a corner.
Fight the Power!
