Wayne Ferreira advise players to approach ATP for money related issues – Tennis News
Former Top-10 athlete, Wayne Ferreira, was one of the most prolific players of his era. He was famous for his swift turns and ability to convert a defensive shot into an aggressive return. Recently, the Tennis News Brazil, interviewed
the tennis icon in which the question about the prize money distribution and the discontent of the player was raised.
Ferreira was amused at the attitude of players and stated that they should not utilize their energy only in playing for the biggest prize money pool at the Grand Slams rather pressurize the Association of Tennis Professionals to
increase the payout considering the hyper inflation and deteriorating financial situation of athletes.
The 41-year-old South African stated, “Do not boycott the Grand Slams. You must boycott the ATP since its [prize money] has not grown for years while the Slams grow every year. When I stopped, a [Grand Slam] champion won $800,000-$900,000,
and now he earns $2 million. The first round was paying $10,000; today, $25,000-$30,000. The amount of money the ATP 500 and 250s and Masters 1000’s pay are basically the same.”
Ferreira once led the breakaway players' union in 2003 which is now abolished and doesn’t exist anymore. So, he knew the internal affairs and dealings of the authorities at Grand Slam as well as the Association of Tennis Professionals.
Hence, he didn’t want the players to burst out at the officials of the Grand Slam events; instead wanted them to look out for some potential financial help from the Association of Tennis Professionals.
The South African holds the record of having played the most number of Grand Slam events in a professional career. He featured in 56 different big-four events altogether. The 31-year-old Swiss Maestro, Roger Federer, has contested
in the 52 editions of the Grand Slam events in his career and scheduled to level the record with Ferreira in the coming year.
Commenting about the accomplishments and proximity of Federer to his record, he said, “No way can I cheer against Federer [in order to] to keep my record. Federer will surely pass me, I have no doubt he should play for at least
another four years. I like Federer and I want him to pass me.”
Federer is planning to stay until the Rio Games 2016. Hence, no doubt can be placed on his ability to surpass the tally 56 Grand Slam appearances in his career.
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