Merger with ATP would not be acquisition, says WTA chief
WTA chief Steve Simon has said a merger with the men’s ATP “makes all the sense in the world” but that it would not take the form of “an acquisition”.
The tennis season was suspended in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the hiatus will continue at least until mid-July, depriving lower-level players who depend solely on tournament winnings of the chance to earn a living.
Roger Federer called for a merger between the two governing bodies last month, with both Simon and ATP Tour chairman Andrea Gaudenzi welcoming the suggestion.
But some top WTA players have said they want an equal standing for the women players in a combined body.
“It’s not an acquisition,” WTA chief executive Simon told the New York Times. “This isn’t about either tour taking territory.”