Smith’s unease at cash debate

IT is tough for JP Smith to weigh in on world tennis’ funding debate.

On the one hand he is grateful for the proposed financial sacrifice from some of the sport’s biggest stars.

On the other, how do you ask someone else for their hard earned money during such a straining time?

World No.1 Novak Djokovic suggested last month the top 100 players in the world donate income into a coronavirus relief fund to support professional players ranked from 250 to 700 in the world.

Townsville player Smith currently ranks 290th and would be a beneficiary of the proposal that has attracted praise from some and criticism from others on the circuit amid the cancellation of tournaments across the globe.

Given the individual nature of tennis, Smith said if a player had nothing to compete for – regardless of their standing – money was not coming to them during the pandemic.

While competitions such as the NRL and AFL have contracts that pay athletes to some extent whether they are on the field or not, tennis operated differently.

“It’s a really fine line to ask people for money and expect them to pay it. I think it has to come from an organisation like the ATP or Tennis Australia,” Smith said.

“If you look at tennis, the top players make a lot but you need the challengers and future players because they generate revenue as well through online gambling, live stream, tennis is making money from those matches.

“It’s not just the top guys, it goes all the way down.

“If they’re not playing they’re not making money but it’s hard to ask people for their money. They’ve earned the money, it’s not like it came from a club.”

Life off the court started in turbulent fashion for the Townsville product.

When the pandemic started rearing its head Smith, 31, was in America.

Having heard of its severity from friends in Europe he boarded the first plane he could home before border restrictions were enforced.

Now back in Townsville he has begun to resume some sort of routine to keep himself prepared for a return to court, while also studying for a degree in sports marketing.

“The toughest part now is we don’t have a definitive date when we’re back playing and the tour restarting.

“With a date you can plan for recovery, programs with strength and practising, but because we’re in a bit of limbo it’s hard to do any of that.

“(But) the good part is being back in Townsville for a little while now with family and friends, otherwise I would never really get that chance.”