Kyrgios suggests men playing against women as ATP and WTA tours discuss merger

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Nick Kyrgios has asked if a merger between the ATP and the WTA would mean men and women competing in the same tennis draws. Reports suggest that talks will take place later this month over a historic merger that would ‘give one voice’ to men and women. 

The proposals could see the men’s and women’s games come under the same governance. Figures in support of the change believe it will see a more equal financial redistribution. 

However, the initiative has not received unanimous encouragement from several key stakeholders. There is apparently a fear that some within the men’s game will attempt to prevent a merger as they earn 75 per-cent more than the women. 

Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios has previously spoken out against men’s and women’s tennis being brought under the same umbrella. And the Australian appeared to question the reports in two tweets on Monday morning. 

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Responding to a tweet about the potential merger, Kyrgios asked: “Does that mean we merge the draws?????” 

He continued alongside a confused emoji: “Genuine question.”

According to the Daily Telegraph, talks between key ATP and WTA executives will take place in London later this month. Saudi Arabian interest in tennis and the threat of an equivalent to golf’s LIV tour is reported to have prompted the summit. 

Andrea Gaudenzi and Steve Simon – heads of the ATP and WTA, respectively – supposedly have plenty of hurdles before the proposal can happen, though. There is believed to be concern about the growing influence of the player’s union set up by Novak Djokovic four years ago. 

Kyrgios has previously expressed opposition to a merger between the ATP and WTA. He responded to a Roger Federer tweet in 2020 with a blunt riposte. 

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Federer had said:  “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?”

But Kyrgios replied: “Yes.”

Federer’s thoughts had support from Billie Jean King. the former No 1 and founder of the WTA responded to Federer by saying: “I agree. And have been saying so since the early 1970s. 

“One voice, women and men together, has long been my vision for tennis. The WTA on its own was always Plan B. I’m glad we are on the same page. Let’s make it happen.”

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