Djokovic: The Big Three discuss how to help the less-rated tennis players

World number one Novak Djokovic said Saturday that he is communicating with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, two colleagues on the ATP board, to discuss how to help less-rated players financially troubled in the midst of the Corona virus pandemic.

In response to a question from one of the fans during a chat with Stanislav Wawrinka on Instagram, Djokovic, president of the Council of Players, said that steps will be taken to ensure that only the most needy players benefit from any relief plan.

He added: I spoke with Roger and Raphael several days ago and we discussed the future of tennis in the short term, and how we can help the less-rated players who are the ones who suffer the most clearly.

Most players ranked 250 to 700 or 1,000 do not have a federation or sponsors to support them and they are independent and are abandoned.

The tennis season was stopped at the beginning of March due to the virus, leaving the players in the lower grades who are totally dependent on the prize money from tournaments without any means to earn their living.

The plight of players outside the first 100 places in the world rankings has prompted federations and players, the International Tennis Federation and the Grand Slam organizers to co-operate in developing plans to provide some help.

Djokovic said: We hope that the players will collectively contribute to the relief fund, which will be distributed by the Professional Players Association (and others) using its forms and criteria.

We want to avoid providing funds to a player who fits this category (the lowest rating) but does not need the money like others ... We hope to distribute between 3 and 4.5 million dollars to the less rated players.

Djokovic, who has 17 Grand Slam titles, pointed out that short-term solutions could include transferring financial prizes for top seeders in the season finals, such as the men's final season to the relief fund.

The Serbian player added: In the event that no tournament is held (in 2020), the prize money for the Australian Open next year may be transferred to this fund.

I am happy with the convergence of the tennis community. Everyone understands the basis of tennis. Players ranked under 250 and under make the future of tennis.

He continued: We must show them that they are not forgotten. They must also send a message to young players that they can live when financial crises happen.