Nick Kyrgios has rejected Roger Federer’s call for the ATP and WTA to merge into one organisation.
Federer on Wednesday expressed his support for the men’s and women’s governing bodies to form one entity that would control professional tennis for both sexes.
"Just wondering 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?" Federer asked on Twitter on Wednesday.
"I am not talking about merging competition on the court, but merging the 2 governing bodies (ATP and WTA) that oversee the men's and women's professional tours."
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Federer’s longtime on-court rival Rafael Nadal tweeted his support but the outspoken Kyrgios promptly shut down the 20-time grand-slam champion’s suggestion.
“Did anyone ask the majority of the ATP what they think about merging with the WTA and how it is good for us?” Kyrgios tweeted shortly after Federer’s initial post.
The world No.40 added bluntly later on Thursday: “We shouldn’t merge”.
Did anyone ask the majority of the ATP what they think about merging with the WTA and how it is good for us?
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) April 22, 2020
We shouldn’t merge
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) April 23, 2020
The polarising Canberran is yet to explain the reasons for his opposition to a possible merger.
Federer on Wednesday declared combining the resources of both organisations would leave the sport in a stronger position post COVID-19.
"It probably should have happened a long time ago, but maybe now is really the time,” Federer wrote.
"These are tough times in every sport and we can come out of this with 2 weakened bodies or 1 stronger body."
The ATP and WTA tours are both suspended until at least mid-July due to the coronavirus.
