KEY BISCAYNE, FL. — After his close win over world #16 Kei Nishikori at the Sony Ericsson Open, Rafael Nadal addressed the media answering questions on why he has stepped down as the Vice President from the ATP Player’s Council.
Rafael Nadal in press (Photo courtesy of author)
As reported yesterday by Simon Briggs of The Telegraph, Nadal had stepped down due to business differences citing that his “pet project” of switching to a two-year ranking system for ATP players was unsuccessful. The Spaniard has reasoned that the change would prolong the careers of players and encourage them to withdraw from a tournament if physical injury heeded it.
Likewise, Nadal encouraged the introduction of former player and current Rotterdam tournament director Richard Krajicek as the new CEO of the ATP Tour. But the job eventually went to Brad Drewett, former director of the ATP’s operations in the Pacific and Asia region.
On both points, Federer was one of Nadal’s biggest objectors citing firstly that a two-year ranking system would inhibit lower-ranked players to break through, and secondly, that Krajicek was too inexperienced in business to make any marketable contribution.
Today, Nadal elaborated on his decision to resign from the ATP Players Council stating that he had exerted himself into making changes but that not everything was a success, in his eyes.
“Well, I have been there for a couple of years. You know, I really don’t know how to do things without [putting] my 100%. I put all my energy there.
I believe that we did [a] few things well for the sport; I believe it’s not enough. So today I believe that I am not the right one to keep working there. So I think another people can do better than me today.”
When asked if frustration forced him to resign, Nadal was quick to reject the notion, but his voice still carried some speculation.
“I never said that I have been frustrated, no. I just said that I am not the right one. You know, I don’t have enough energy to [do it]. I cannot still put in my 100% there in the player council.
I can be there just listening, but that’s not my style. I understand my [time in the Council has] finished, and that’s it.”
Alluding to the fact that he still was not able to put 100% of his energy into his projects, Nadal is leaving dissatisfied.
“There is always troubles there. I understand sometimes the trouble from the other part, from tournaments, but I don’t understand sometimes the trouble from our part, from our [players].”
The top 50 ATP Tour players now have the opportunity to vote for a replacement representative for Nadal, and a vote will be put in during this year’s Wimbledon.
About Romana Cvitkovic
Nice photo! Hope you will be attend many US tournaments where Rafa will play this year.