Roddick wants tennis players to form union
(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-12 09:15

The 2003 U.S. Open champion said the crowded calendar came down to business rather than "common logic." He also noted that forming a union, similar to those of the major team sports in North America, was exceedingly difficult because of the disparate and individual nature of tennis.

"Getting 100 players from this many countries, with language barriers and get them all on the same page at one time ... it's tough," he said. "For every person that says we're not healthy, there's another guy that says, 'Hey, I need those two extra weeks for the prize money.'"

Federer, who was 81-4 last season and won 11 titles, does not blame the heavy workload for the seemingly high number of injuries. He says players could plan their schedule to avoid wear and tear. But he agrees with Roddick that players need representation at highest levels of the ATP.

Iggy Jovanovic, an ATP-appointed player representative, said the men's sanctioning body was revamping its structure. It is aiming to get an active player or players' rep on the board.

The ATP will hold a mandatory players' meeting on Saturday in Melbourne. New board chairman Etienne de Villiers reviewed the ATP structure last year and found not enough attention paid to players.

"He's looking at a structure that throws the needle back a bit toward the players," Jovanovic said, "and wants to get somebody in their who can meet with the players, be with the players, and bring their ideas and concerns directly to the board."