‘Jobs for More Players’ – Rafael Nadal Takes Firm Stand in an Open Conversation With ATP Chairman

Sport has become extremely competitive in today’s day and age. The technological advancements and strive to win at all costs have kept the players on their toes. Tennis is no exception. For a long time, there have been growing calls to improve the tennis calendar. Recently, Rafael Nadal was involved in a conversation with the ATP chairman, Andrea Gaudenzi on this subject.

Nadal is having a dream 2022 season. He has already lifted the Australian Open and the French Open titles. However, he has had injury concerns this year. As a result, he had to miss the tournaments in Miami, Monte-Carlo, and Barcelona. Further, he gave his opinion on how the tennis calendar could be improved.

Rafael Nadal suggests a 12-month tennis calendar

During a conversation with the ATP chairman, Andrea Gaudenzi, the Spaniard gave his views on the tennis schedule and ways to improve it. He said, “From my experience, I would like to see tournaments for the full year because that creates opportunities, and creates possible jobs for more players. But, on the other hand, you give the players the possibility to rest in between without having that feeling that you are losing your ranking.” 

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Further, echoing Nadal’s views, Gaudenzi said, “I totally agree, it’s about creating those spaces in between but providing an 11, 12-month calendar. It’s quite unique.” 

Currently, the men’s circuit has an 11-month calendar, starting in January and ending in November with the Davis Cup Finals. On the other hand, the women’s circuit has a 10-month calendar from January to October, with some WTA 125 tournaments scheduled in November and December.

Nadal gears up for Wimbledon

The Spaniard enters the grass-court season high on confidence after his French Open 2022 victory. However, his Wimbledon participation seemed uncertain after suffering a foot injury during the latter stages of the clay-court Grand Slam tournament.

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Nonetheless, Nadal has quashed these doubts as he was seen practicing on the grass courts in Mallorca. The Spaniard is known to overcome injury setbacks throughout his career. Hence, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he digs deep at Wimbledon this year.