When Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal spoke during their careers, the tennis world usually stood up and listened.
Federer boasts 20 Grand Slam titles among his list of honors, two behind the 22 of his former ATP Tour rival Nadal.
Both players also managed to reach the number one ranking in men’s tennis, and conquered almost all there is to conquer in the sport.
Swiss legend Federer finally called time on his glittering career in 2022, with Spanish icon Nadal following suit in 2024.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal wanted an ATP and WTA merger in 2020
Before they retired, however, the superstar duo called for a major change to tennis during the Covid pandemic.
Federer wrote on X in April 2020: “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?”
Replying, Nadal said: “Hey, as you know per our discussions I completely agree that it would be great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men’s and women’s tennis in one only organisation.”
ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi discussed a potential merger this time last year, but for now the ATP and WTA tours remain separate.
What is your boldest tennis prediction for 2026?
Billie Jean King and Simona Halep agreed with Roger Federer’s merger idea
Intriguingly, Nadal was not the only tennis figure to agree with Federer on the call to unite men’s and women’s tennis.
WTA icon Simona Halep replied: “You are not the only one,” while Rennae Stubbs said: “I agree 100%! Tennis needs to be one tour. Both are stronger together and that’s a fact. Less divisiveness and dilution!
“A few less tournaments, more time off for both tours and more money in bigger events that can trickle down to lower-ranked players… the list is endless!”
There was also support from trailblazer Billie Jean King, who commented: “I agree, and have been saying so since the early 1970s.
“One voice, women and men together, has long been my vision for tennis. The WTA on its own was always Plan B. I’m glad we are on the same page. Let’s make it happen.”
Who do you think can win a Grand Slam for the first time in 2026?
Interestingly, discussions about prize money and the schedule have arguably never been as prevalent as they are now.
But it remains to be seen what action, if any, will be taken regarding those issues and indeed an ATP and WTA merger.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
