Paris (AFP)

The ATP, which manages the men's professional tennis circuit, stressed on Saturday the importance of "unity" in these complicated times, while players led by Novak Djokovic could very soon announce the creation of a parallel association and independent.

Canadian Vasek Pospisil, an ardent member of the ATP Players Council, a body integrated into the institution, opened fire on Friday by announcing his resignation.

"It has become evident that as a member of the players' council within the current structure of ATP, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to have any influence whatsoever on any major decision on the circuit." , explains the 92nd in the world.

And according to the New York Times, Djokovic himself is expected to announce his resignation as president of the players' council, to participate in the creation of the PTPA (Professional Tennis Players Association).

The officialization of the PTPA, which aims to better defend the players of the World Top 500 battered in particular by the health crisis, could take place on Saturday evening, according to the New York daily.

In the meantime, the ATP has issued a statement criticizing the initiative.

"We recognize the difficulties our members face in the current circumstances, but we firmly believe that it is time to show unity, rather than internal divisions," said the body.

Also a member of the players 'council, Rafael Nadal supported ATP by opposing the creation of this new players' association.

"I think we live in a time where we have to keep calm and work all together in the same direction. It's time to unite, not to divide," tweeted the Spaniard, world No.2.

“All of us, players, tournaments and governing bodies have to work together,” he adds.

In recent months, Pospisil has notably focused on the players' income, deemed insufficient except for the very best. A situation worsened by the coronavirus pandemic which deprived players of their source of income for 6 months.

"We remain steadfast in our commitment to keeping our players happy in all areas of our business, ensuring that they get the most out of their years on the tour and that their voices are heard," ATP said.

© 2020 AFP