Andrea Gaudenzi, Chairman of the Association of Professional Tennis Players (ATP) and Women's Tennis Association (WTA), and Steve Simon supported the idea of \u200b\u200bmerging into a single organization.

The initiator of the proposal was the legendary Swiss tennis player Roger Federer. According to him, the merger will help both organizations overcome the difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic..

Gaudenzi and Simon in an interview with Tennis World stressed that they look forward to further steps towards the merger of the APR and WTA.

“Numerous negotiations between the leaders of our associations strengthened my confidence that we are working together and joining tennis structures will be a logical and right step that will positively affect fans and athletes.

In tennis, the idea of \u200b\u200bgathering men and women in major tournaments has always been soaring - this is one of our strengths that distinguish us from many other sports, " Federer’s proposal also received wide support from players such as Rafael Nadal, Simone Halep, Peter Kvitova and Billie Jean King.

Recall, because of the coronavirus, tennis tournaments are canceled until the summer. Roland Garros-2020 postponed to fall, and Wimbledon canceled altogether. Meanwhile, the US Open may be held without spectators or at the end of the year.